Minister Naď commemorates victims of mining disasters in Handlová

To mark Victims of Mining Disasters Day, also known as White Roses Day in Slovakia, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď today attended a commemorative ceremony at the Miners Memorial in Handlová, paying tribute to the memory of all miners and rescuers who have lost their lives in the course of performing their work-related duties. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Igor Matovič, Parliamentary Chairman Boris Kollár, Deputy Parliamentary Chairmen and Members of Parliament.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Today we mark the 11th anniversary of the worst mining tragedy in our contemporary history. White Roses Day commemorates all those who chose this very challenging job, but did not make it back home to their loved ones from their mines. We honour their memory.”

The Handlová colliery disaster occurred in Handlová on 10 August 2009. That day 20 miners and mine rescuers, trying to put out a fire, lost their lives in an underground explosion. Slovakia has marked Victims of Mining Disasters Day since 2010, when the SVK Parliament declared it as a memorial day. It is dedicated to all victims of mining accidents to have occurred across the Upper Nitra region and the whole of Slovakia.