Duda visits site of copper mining accident

Polish President Andrzej Duda returned from his visit to Sweden on Thursday, and immediately headed for Polkowice, the site of the mining disaster where eight miners were killed, and nine others injured on Tuesday morning. There he met with families of the victims and with the management board of mine-owner KGHM. He told concerned family members that there would be compensation available for victims of the accident. “I was assured of that," he reportedly said. When asked by reporters if a day of national mourning would be declared, he responded, “Let's focus for now on the situation that we have. I also have to collect my thoughts.” The president also placed flowers at a plaque that had been constructed to commemorate the victims, and he spoke about the enormous generosity of rescuers. “ [They worked] around the clock in terribly difficult conditions trying to save colleagues until the last minute, believing that a miracle could happen, maybe somewhere someone managed to hide between the lumps of rock,” the president said.