Siberian Mine Explosion Kills and Traps

Saturday night, two methane explosions reverberated through one of Russia’s biggest coal mines, Raspadskaya. More than 312 miners were inside when the first explosion occurred. Four hours later, the second blast trapped 80 miners and rescue workers inside and killed twelve when it took out the main air shaft leaving the remaining people inside with high levels of methane. The ventilation system for the mine has been destroyed but officials are trying to reassure the public with the fact that the mine holds modern breathing devices. Rescue missions have been called off as the situation has been deemed too dangerous; a top official where the mine is located has stated he believes more explosions are likely.

Submitted by: Rachael Petro