At least 25 die in Ukraine mine explosion

At least 25 miners have been killed in an explosion in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine.

At least 25 miners have been killed in an explosion in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine.

The explosion last night is thought to have happened at around 1,800 feet below the surface.

Officials said 46 miners were changing shifts in a section of the mine when the explosion happened. Ten managed to escape, ITAR-Tass said. Workers have recovered 25 bodies so far.

Emergency workers are being hampered by high concentrations of gases and temperatures of up to 104, according to reports.

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Ukraine's mines are considered among the world's most deadly due to high concentrations of methane gas, frequent violations of safety rules and outdated equipment.

Some 267 miners died in Ukraine's mines last year, according to the State Labor Protection Committee. More than 3,700 have been killed since 1991.

AP