The biggest mining tragedy in the history of Slovakia occurred at the Handlova mine 14 years ago. Nine miners and 11 rescuers lost their lives. There have been 300 other mining disasters in Slovakia. That is why 10 August has been declared a day of remembrance - the Day of the Victims of Mining Disasters in the Slovak Republic. Today, Thursday 10 August is also known as the Day of White Roses. It commemorates the 476 victims who lost their lives in metal mines on the territory of Slovakia. Every year on this day, Handlova commemorates this unfortunate event. Wreaths are laid at the monument to the victims of mining accidents in the town cemetery. The bells of St. Catherine's Church are rung to commemorate the last connection with the miners underground. Survivors, the public and delegations lay a white rose at the miners' memorial. This special flower is a symbol of respect for the miners from other towns who died in their profession all over Slovakia. The white colour of the rose symbolises innocence, while the green petals represent hope that such a tragedy will never happen again.
Industrial coal mining in Handlova began in July 1909 and ended in September 2021. The 112-year history of coal mining in the town has benefited the economy of the whole of Slovakia. But it also brought the biggest mining tragedy in Slovakia. The trial in the case of the Handlova mine explosion began more than four years after the accident. The defendants are three employees of the Hornonitrian Mines Prievidza, accused of the offence of general endangerment. The first verdict in the case was delivered in May 2015, when they were sentenced to long prison terms. But even after almost ten years, the trial is not over. At the end of March this year, the Regional Court in Trencin decided that the District Court in Prievidza should hear the case for the third time. The appellate court overturned the trial court's decision and sent the case back to the lower court for a new trial.
Source: TASR
