A massive rescue operation in Siberia has begun today. Reports indicate that 75 underground coal miners were left trapped by an explosion and fire.
Interfax reported that communication was lost between the workers missing and Interfax.
The blast took place at 250m depth – 820ft in Listvyazhnaya’s coalmine, Russia’s Kemerovo.
According to reports, at least one miner aged 23 died.
A total of 40 rescue miners were suffering from smoke inhalation. They are being treated.
Minimum five of them were in serious condition.
Interfax stated that an explosion in the mine caused the emergency.
According to some reports, fire was raging inside a ventilation tube.
Interfax reported that the explosion was caused by either an “equipment failure” or natural causes.
Multiple reports claim that a major operation was under way to rescue the miners trapped in underground temperatures.
Other reports claimed that 236 people were evacuated. This meant 51 unaccounted-for persons.
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, 45 people were reported missing.
Mash News outlet showed photos from the scene that were updated according to Interfax reports that 75 people remained inside the mine.
A local emergency source stated that the victims had been rescued from the mine by an ambulance crew.
They inhaled the smoke (as a result) of the explosion.
Russia’s technology watchdog claims that an explosion took place in the mine’s main airway.
A was initiated by the Kemerovo prosecutor’s office.
Listvyazhnaya, part of SDS–Ugol is Russia’s largest coal-mining company.
