Ukraine Gas Blast ‘Kills 33′ At Zasyadko Coal Mine

Ukraine Gas Blast ‘Kills 33′ At Zasyadko Coal Mine

A suspected gas blast which ocured at a coal mine in a rebel-held region of east Ukraine is believed to have killed up to 33 people and trapped 30, the rebels told the BBC.

At least 14 miners were also injured at the Zasyadko mine, which saw Ukraine’s worst mine disaster nearly eight years ago when 101 were killed. Anxious relatives of miners have gathered at the scene to await news.
There are fears the rebels lack the resources to deal with the disaster, the BBC’s Tom Burridge reports. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has demanded access to the mine for government rescuers and police. A mine union official, Mikhail Volynets, told a Ukrainian TV channel there had been no fighting in the area in recent days.
While Ukraine’s economy has significantly shrunk since the conflict began in April, many coal mines continue to operate in the conflict zone. Before the conflict, accidents were common in the mines, where safety standards are poor.