Thirty-seven missing after Ukraine coal blast

Ukrainian officials say four coal miners have been seriously injured and at least 37 are missing after an explosion at a mine in the eastern Donetsk region.

Maryna Nikitina, a spokeswoman for the industrial safety watchdog agency, said the explosion took place at the Karl Marx mine early today about 3,300 feet underground.

She said the four injured miners have been taken to hospital with severe injuries, and at least 37 remain trapped in the mine.

Ukraine has some of the world’s most dangerous mines, due to outdated equipment and poor safety standards.

Officials say that for every 1 million tons of coal brought to the surface in Ukraine, three miners lose their lives.