12 killed, 11 injured in Romania mine blasts

Source: CCTV.com | 11-16-2008 13:54

At least 12 miners have been killed, and 11 others injured, in two explosions in a coal mine in southwest Romania.

A view of the coal mine area where a mining accident occurred  in Petrila, 240 km (149 miles) west of Bucharest, early Nov. 16, 2008. At least 12 miners were killed and 11 injured in  two explosions in a coal mine in southwest Romania on Saturday, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Local authorities say the first explosion on Saturday killed 8 people in the 19th-century mine in Petrila, a small town in the country's remote mining region of Jiu Valley. 4 more miners died in a second blast while trying to reach the bodies of the victims. Officials say the explosions were likely caused by an accumulation of methane gas.

About 100 miners were working at the time of the first explosion. Relatives of miners have gathered by the entrance to the site, seeking information about their loved ones.