Explosion at Ukrainian Coal Mine Traps Dozens, Over 30 Feared Dead

Reuters reported Wednesday that an explosion at the Zasyadko coal mine in the eastern Ukrainian rebel stronghold of Donetsk has trapped dozens of people underground, with more than 30 unaccounted for. Mine officials have said the explosion was most likely caused by gas and not linked to the war between Moscow-backed rebels and Ukraine government forces, although separatists have been accused of holding up the rescue effort by restricting access to the area.

As quoted in the article:

Officials declined to give firm figures for the number of miners missing or dead. An official with the local rescue services, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “There are 30 people unaccounted for. Probably for them it’s over.”

Eduard Dmitrenko, a miner who went down the affected shaft after the blast, said there were about 20 people missing, possibly more. It was unlikely any of them would be found alive, “but they will of course find bodies,” said Dmitrenko, his face covered with coal dust.

Click here to read the full Reuters article.