Shelling of Ukraine coal hub leaves 496 miners trapped below ground

Nearly 500 coal miners in Ukraine’s war-torn east were trapped below ground on Monday after their pit lost power when a shell hit a regional electric substation. The accident occurred in rebel-controlled Donetsk city’s Zasyadko coal mine – one of eastern Europe’s largest, where the same type of incident briefly trapped 300 miners on January 11.

When the power went out, there were 496 miners underground. Right now, we are making preparations to bring them to safety.

Donetsk region emergencies ministry official

Rescuers have evacuated at least 110 miners so far, Eduard Basurin from the Donetsk Defense authorities told local media. Zasyadko coal mine has seen repeated accidents with numerous fatalities in the past. The worst tragedy happened in 2007, killing 101 miners. That accident was caused by a methane explosion.

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