Russian mine blast toll rises to 78

Source: Xinhuanet | 03-20-2007 08:47

Medics provide medical help to a victim of a methane explosion at a hospital in Russia's Siberian city of Novokuznetsk in this March 19, 2007 frame grab. 78 people were killed when a methane gas explosion ripped through Ulyanovskaya mine.(Xinhua/Reuters photo)

MOSCOW, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers were working to evacuate dozens of miners trapped in a Siberian coal mine after 78 people were killed in an explosion at the mine on Monday.

About 200 people were believed to be working inside the mine when the blast caused by methane occurring in the Ulyanovskaya mine in Novokuznetsk, a city in the Siberian region of Kemerovo.

The death toll has risen to 78, among them a British citizen, the Itar-Tass news agency quoted the regional administration as saying.

In addition, at least three people were injured and some 83 others have been evacuated safely after the blast.

Rescuers are working around the clock to evacuate the rest of the workers trapped in the mine. Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu has flown to the site of the accident.