Sorrow descends upon Zenica: Time does not diminish the pain, miners need safety at work

Today, organized by RMU Zenica, the first anniversary of the death of five miners in the Raspotočje pit was marked, when 34 miners were trapped in the pit due to a mountain bump in September 2014, writes the Bosnian news agency Patria.

Unfortunately, for five miners Fejzo Isaković, Mehemed Dizdarević, Mehmedalija Halilović, Fahir Halač and Hajrudin Bradarac, it was too late.

Present miners, family members and management were addressed by Mehmed Oruč, president of the RMU Zenica Union, stating that time does not diminish the pain for the lost comrades.

- Time does not diminish responsibility either; mining accidents are a warning to do everything to prevent them from recurring, and there is no amnesty for anyone. Whoever is responsible should answer, and the safe work of miners has no alternative. Mehemed, Mehmedalija, Fahir, Hajrudin and Fahir were honorable people and oblige us to speak of them with deep reverence, and to enable their families a dignified life – said Oruč.

Esad Čivić, director of RMU Zenica, said that he uses this opportunity to send a message to the authorities to show more seriousness in helping mines and miners.

- In this past year, only the first few days showed attention and sensitivity towards miners. After that, that interest in miners was lost. In the tragedy that befell us, we lost five brave, five honest comrades. The greatest loss was suffered by their families, but also a great loss was suffered by the Zenica mine collective.

He also said that over the past year they tried to be at the service of the families of the deceased miners to help them overcome the pain and loss.

- The loss of their loved ones cannot and will never be compensated. We have largely fulfilled the obligations we undertook. I appeal to all those responsible in society and the state for the position and status of miners to be touched by this day and to treat miners as they deserve.