Dozens dead in Ukraine mine blast

An explosion in a coal mine in Ukraine has killed at least 33 people. Rescuers are trying to find about 70 who are still missing, officials said. Dozens dead in Ukraine mine blast The blast, caused by a build-up of methane gas, occurred more than 1,000m (3,280ft) below ground in the Zasyadko mine in the eastern Donetsk region. More than 450 miners were below ground when the explosion happened at 0300 (0100 GMT), emergency officials said. About 350 miners have been rescued - at least 20 have been taken to hospital. Officials say 33 bodies have been found and rescue workers are searching for more than 70 miners who are unaccounted for. Miners' family members have gathered at the site trying to find news of their men. Ukraine's coal mines are among the most dangerous in the world with a high number of fatalities from accidents. A gas leak at the Zasyadko coal mine, one of Ukraine's largest, killed 13 miners and injured dozens more in September 2006. Twenty miners were killed in an explosion at the same mine in 2002.

Dozens dead in Ukraine mine blast

The blast, caused by a build-up of methane gas, occurred more than 1,000m (3,280ft) below ground in the Zasyadko mine in the eastern Donetsk region.

More than 450 miners were below ground when the explosion happened at 0300 (0100 GMT), emergency officials said.

About 350 miners have been rescued - at least 20 have been taken to hospital.

Officials say 33 bodies have been found and rescue workers are searching for more than 70 miners who are unaccounted for.

Miners' family members have gathered at the site trying to find news of their men.

Ukraine's coal mines are among the most dangerous in the world with a high number of fatalities from accidents.

A gas leak at the Zasyadko coal mine, one of Ukraine's largest, killed 13 miners and injured dozens more in September 2006.

Twenty miners were killed in an explosion at the same mine in 2002.