The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the coal mine tragedy in Soma, Turkey, in which more than 280 people lost their lives and many others are missing or seriously injured.

The Secretary-General stands together with the people of Turkey as they mourn fathers, sons and brothers, and attend to the wounded. He shares their hope that the causes will be investigated expeditiously and that measures will be taken to prevent such disasters in the future.

The thoughts and prayers of the Secretary-General are with the families of the victims and with the people and communities affected by this tragic event.