An accident resulting in the death of a worker was recorded this Wednesday, around 11:00, in the Bulqiza mine. The victim has been identified as Fari Veliu, 66 years old, who lost his life while working in the mine galleries. The circumstances of the incident have not yet been made clear. The police informed that the investigative group is at the scene and has started investigations to clarify the causes of the accident.
The miner was transported to the Bulqiza Hospital, but without signs of life. Sources from the medical staff told BIRN that the worker's body had multiple injuries and, despite their efforts, nothing could be done to save him.
Referring to the data in the Register of Mining Permits, the accident occurred in the galleries of the company "GERTI Shpk", which is owned by Jeton Dani. The latter is a well-known name in the area, not only for mining activity, but also for political engagement in the Socialist Party. In the May 11 elections, his son, Murat Dani, ran for deputy on the SP open list in the district of Dibra.
Contacted by BIRN, Dani asked to be "left alone" and refused to talk about the incident where the 66-year-old miner lost his life.
Veliu was one of the miners who, despite his age and harsh working conditions, were forced to return to the chrome galleries due to the inability to make a living only on pension.
This accident is the third event with fatal consequences in the mining sector in the area of Bulqiza and Klos this year. A few months ago, a young worker lost his life while working at a chromium enrichment plant in Klos, while his body was found only after several weeks of intensive searches, which were attended by residents of the area and the Armed Forces of Albania and Kosovo. /BIRN