Police on Friday fired tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets on thousands of protesters shouting anti-government slogans in Soma, the scene of Turkey’s worst-ever mining tragedy.<br /><br />With the death toll from the disaster now close to 300, there is no let-up in anger, aimed at authorities accused of ignoring repeated warnings to improve mining safety.<br /><br />Several people were injured in the clashes. <br /><br />They came shortly after the mine operator defended its safety record in a news conference, following a wave of angry protests over the accident, nationwide.<br /><br />In Istanbul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended symbolic funeral prayers. He was accompanied to the mosque by the aide who was pictured apparently kicking a protester in Soma earlier this week. <br /><br />The premier is also accused of lashing out at the crowd while visiting the western town, where he told grieving inhabitants that mining accidents happen everywhere.<br /><br />With over 280 men confirmed dead and 18 others unaccounted for in Tuesday’s tragedy, the people of Soma feel helpless and dismayed.<br /><br />“I wish I was dead myself,” said one inhabitant, Aykut Baglan. “We have been on the streets ever since the accident. I can’t remember what I have eaten. I don’t know what I am doing. I don’t know where I am.”<br /><br />An explosion, fire and deadly carbon monoxide gas robbed this close-knit community of so many of its sons. Those who mourn them insist they deserve answers.
