Mine blast kills 17 in Ukraine

A methane blast ripped through a coal mine in eastern Ukraine early today, killing 17 miners and leaving at least 14 missing, emergency officials said. More than 150 miners were waiting to be lifted to the surface.

The explosion occurred at the Zasyadka mine in the Donetsk region at a depth of more than 3,280ft at around 3am (1am Irish time), according to a spokesman for the Emergency Situations Ministry.

The emergency ministry also said that 297 miners have already been lifted to the surface and 160 others were waiting their turn.

Ukrainian mines are among the world’s most dangerous because of the high number of fatal accidents. The mines are deep, use out-of-date equipment and maintain poor safety standards.