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Deadly explosion in Slovakia mine Deadly explosion in Slovakia mine
(about 16 hours later)
Six miners are dead and hopes are fading for 14 others after an explosion at a coal pit in Slovakia. A total of 20 miners have died in Slovakia following a blast at a mine, economy minister Lubomir Jahnatek says.
Economy Minister Lubomir Jahnatek said the other 14 missing miners had been trapped underground for more than 10 hours and were probably dead. Seven bodies have so far been brought to the surface at the Handlova coal mine, and operations to recover the 13 still missing are continuing.
The blast occurred at Handlova, 200km (125 miles) north-east of the capital, Bratislava. Prime Minister Robert Fico said it was "an immense tragedy". Nine men escaped with minor injuries following the explosion on Monday.
A build-up of flammable gases caused the explosion, officials said. Officials said the blast was caused by a build-up of flammable gases as miners were tackling a fire. A day of national mourning will be held on Wednesday.
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. "After talks with the rescuers, it is clear that nobody could have survived the accident," Mr Jahnatek said on Tuesday.
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. Prime Minister Robert Fico said it was "an immense tragedy".
"All victims probably died at the moment of explosion," he added. He has also ordered an independent investigation into the accident.
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. Rescue teams found six bodies on Monday after battling high temperatures and poor visibility to try to reach the site, which is some 330m (1,100ft) below ground.
Another body was recovered on Tuesday.
Handlova is located 200km (125 miles) north-east of the capital, Bratislava.