Скачать или смотреть UKRAINE: KRASNODON: BARAKOVA MINE EXPLOSION

(11 Mar 2000) Russian/Nat

Ukraine's worst mine disaster in post-Soviet history has left at least 80 coal miners dead and seven injured.

Methane gas exploded nearly 665 metres (22-hundred feet) underground in the Barakova mine in eastern Ukraine.

The mine is located in Krasnodon, about 850 kilometres (530 miles) east of Ukraine's capital Kiev.

Ambulances rushed to the mine in eastern Ukraine, as the rescue operation got into full swing.

Nearly 200 miners managed to leave the shaft after the blast.

A methane gas explosion rocked the mine shortly after 1 p-m (1100 GMT), while 277 miners were working underground.

Ukraine's frequent deadly coal mine accidents are often caused by methane.

It's a naturally occurring colourless, odorless and highly explosive gas that seeps out of coal seams and can build up easily in poorly ventilated mine shafts.

Relatives also rushed to the accident scene, for news of their loved ones.

Authorities say all of the miners have been accounted for and teams are bringing bodies to the surface.

According to emergency officials, 33 rescue units were involved in bringing the bodies to the ground.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"All areas are in operation, they were called in on time. And, we are doing everything we can. As of now, we know exactly what has happened. Everything has been done to find people and now we are bringing them up."
SUPER CAPTION: Alexander Efremov, head of Lugansk regional administration

Ukraine has the world's highest coal industry death rate, blamed largely on outdated and badly functioning equipment and miners' neglect of safety rules.

At least 274 miners were killed last year, down from about 360 in 1998.

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