Ukraine: Coal mine explosion in Donetsk kills 32 people.

An explosion at the Zasyadko coal mine in the war zone near the city of Donetsk killed 32 miners.

AP quoted Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Groysman as saying that the accident occurred on the morning of March 4 in an area controlled by the opposition.

Some miners participated in rescuing their colleagues trapped in the mine (Photo: Reuters)

Meanwhile, the opposition claims the explosion occurred more than 1,000 meters below the surface of the mine and that approximately 230 miners were working there at the time.

Opposition leaders said the search and rescue operation for the miners is still ongoing and at least 157 miners have been evacuated from the mine. Currently, 14 people have been taken to medical centers in Donetsk for treatment.

Doctor Emil Fistal said six miners are in critical condition.

Reuters quoted Vladimir Tsymbalenko, chairman of the local Mine Safety Authority, as saying: “According to initial reports, more than 30 people have died. Rescue workers have not yet been able to reach the site of the explosion. They have to pump all the toxic gases out of the mine before they can go down there.”

Meanwhile, Alexei Novoselsky's sister, who was a miner underground when the explosion occurred, stood at the mine entrance, weeping and saying, "Tell me if anyone survived this? Why are you hiding information?"

Oleg, a welder working at the coal mine, said: “I heard that 45 people are still trapped in the mine. Only one person has been pulled out so far.”

When asked about the chances of rescuing those still trapped, Oleg said: “I’ve worked in mines for 23 years and this is the fourth one I remember. If the rescuers hadn’t immediately gotten the miners out of the mine, it’s unlikely they would have survived. A mine explosion is always terrible.”

According to VOV.VN