Mirosław Romańczuk struggles for rehabilitation funds after mine disaster

Mirosław Romańczuk, the sole survivor of a methane explosion at the Knurów-Szczygłowice mine on January 22, 2025, is struggling to fund his medical rehabilitation. The accident, which involved 44 miners, resulted in five deaths and left 17 others severely burned.

Romańczuk suffered burns over 90 percent of his body, leading to the amputation of his leg and fingers, as well as hearing loss. While he has begun walking with the help of a crutch thanks to donations from the Fundacja Podaruj Dobro, he remains heavily dependent on family for daily tasks.

He has expressed feelings of abandonment by his employer, Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW). While the company disclosed providing a 5,000 PLN relief payment and several vouchers, Romańczuk claims the support is insufficient for his ongoing needs and that management has distanced themselves from him following the tragedy.