Three explosions cause Russian mine collapse, 36 people die

A total of 36 people, including miners and rescue workers, have died in explosions that have devastated a coal mine in northern Russia since February 25.

The incident is said to be the most serious mining accident in Russia in recent years. Illustration photo: ItarTass

The two initial explosions were caused by methane gas.sudden leakoccurred on February 25 at the Severnaya mine in the city of Vorkuta in the Arctic Circle. This incident left four miners dead and 26 missing.

Authorities launched a massive search and rescue operation involving hundreds of workers. However, a new explosion at the mine today killed six people, including five rescue workers and one miner.

Reuters quoted the Minister of Emergency SituationsVladimir Puchkov said today that 26 missing miners were killed. "The conditions in the affected area of ​​the mine did not allow anyone to survive. In the underground space where there were 26 miners, the temperature was high and there was no oxygen," he said.

CMr. CompanyVorkutaugolmine operatorSevernaya, citing a technical expert council, also said that the 26 had no chance of survival. The company said rescue operations had been suspended.

A total of 36 people died in the incident.appears to be the worst mining accident in Russia in recent years.

Location of the city of Vorkuta. Graphics: rferl

According to VNE