1998: The Lassing Mining Disaster

Since the late 19th century, talc was mined in the small Upper Styrian community of Lassing. From 1988, the mine was owned by an international corporation. Lack of control and substandard plans drove the mine to disaster on July 17, 1988. On this day, supports collapsed in the tunnel. In the district of Moos, which was located above the tunnels, a house sank into the crater. Rescue teams were searching for a buried miner, when the ground sank further and ten rescuers were buried alive. For these men, help came too late. The originally buried miner was rescued alive and healthy ten days later. Lessons were drawn from the “miracle of Lassing” . The talc mine in Lassing was discontinued, and the mining rescue and control system was improved throughout Austria.