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Deadly explosion in Slovakia mine Deadly explosion in Slovakia mine
(about 1 hour later)
At least six miners are dead and 14 others missing after an explosion at a coal mine in Slovakia. Six miners are dead and hopes are fading for 14 others after an explosion at a coal pit in Slovakia.
Economy Minister Lubomir Jahnatek said the other 14 missing miners had been trapped underground for more than 10 hours and were probably dead.
The blast occurred at Handlova, 200km (125 miles) north-east of the capital, Bratislava. Prime Minister Robert Fico said it was "an immense tragedy".The blast occurred at Handlova, 200km (125 miles) north-east of the capital, Bratislava. Prime Minister Robert Fico said it was "an immense tragedy".
Emergency crews have been battling high temperatures and poor visibility to try to reach the site, which is about 330m (1,000ft) underground. A build-up of flammable gases caused the explosion, officials said.
The explosion was caused by a build-up of flammable gases, officials say. Rescue teams found six dead bodies after battling high temperatures and poor visibility to try to reach the site, which is about 330m (1,000ft) underground.
Economy Minister Lubomir Jahnatek was reported by the AFP news agency as saying: "Rescuers found six bodies, but the conditions in the mine are such that no one can survive." The economy minister said: "The rescuers found six bodies 65 metres (71 yards) from the epicentre of the explosion. They couldn't get any further as the conditions in the mine do not support life.
"All victims probably died at the moment of explosion," he added.
The prime minister said late on Monday at the site of accident that the government would meet on Tuesday to declare a period of national mourning.