25 killed in Ukrainian mine blast
KIEV, Ukraine (CNN) -- A gas explosion in a Ukraine mine has killed at least 25 people, according to the Ukrainian Emergency Situations Ministry.
Another 11 miners are trapped more than 500 meters (1,500 ft) below ground, it said.
When the explosion occurred at 7:55 p.m. (1755 GMT) on Monday, there were 48 people in the Krasnolimanskaya mine, the Interfax news agency reported.
Twelve miners are known to have survived the blast and escaped to the surface.
According to Interfax, the rescue and fire-fighting operation is being hampered by high temperatures and a high concentration of carbon monoxide in the mine.
Ukrainian mines are among the most dangerous in the world. On average, 300 to 400 miners die in accidents in Ukraine each year.
Analysts say it would be cheaper for the Ukraine to import coal, and the World Bank has urged the country to close half its 220 aging mines.
