Ukraine coal mine explosion kills seven
An explosion at the Pivinchna coal mine in Ukraine has killed seven miners and left a further nine injured, government officials have said.
The blast occurred 815 m below the surface on Monday night in Ukraine’s mineral-rich Donetsk region.
The bodies of the victims were recovered in the early hours of Tuesday and work at the mine has been suspended, the country’s emergencies ministry said.
Story Ukraine's illegal coal mines
While illegal coal mines in the country are notorious for their lax safety standards and frequent explosions, official state-owned mines supposedly offer workers better safety and working conditions.
However, many commentators have claimed the recent blast demonstrates Ukraine’s coal mines are underfunded and poorly equipped, with frequent safety violations.
The cause of the explosion at the mine is being investigated, although Ukrainian media have blamed the blast on a gas leak.
Three years ago, a Ukrainian coal mine explosion left at least 16 people dead, while in 2007 more than 100 miners died in an explosion at Zasyadko mine.
Edited from various sources by Sam Dodson
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/19022014/seven_dead_at_ukraine_coal_mine_539/
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