Bulgarian official pledges justice after deadly coal mine collapse

A Bulgarian lawmaker on Sunday vowed to bring to justice to those found responsible for a deadly coal mine accident in his country. On Tuesday, a coal mine collapsed near the town of Simitli in southwestern Bulgaria; two miners died in the collapse and rescue teams are still searching for two other workers, Novonite.com reported "I will not allow this deadly accident to turn into a cold case. Some people think that the times have not changed and they are untouchable. Some people believe that the case will be brushed under the carpet," Economy and Energy Minister Dragomir Stoynev told the national radio BNR on Sunday. "I can assure you that from now on my main task and the task of the government is to finally impose rules and order in this country. These rules must be respected by both the state and all employers. It is unacceptable for employers to behave as if their workers are slaves," Stoynev said. Krasimir Mihaylov, the owner of the Oranovo coal mine, has been questioned in the case and has pledged to pay $33,579 to the families of the dead miners.