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Deadly explosion in Slovakia mine | Deadly explosion in Slovakia mine |
(about 16 hours later) | |
A total of 20 miners have died in Slovakia following a blast at a mine, economy minister Lubomir Jahnatek says. | |
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. | |
Nine men escaped with minor injuries following the explosion on Monday. | |
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. | |
"After talks with the rescuers, it is clear that nobody could have survived the accident," Mr Jahnatek said on Tuesday. | |
Prime Minister Robert Fico said it was "an immense tragedy". | |
He has also ordered an independent investigation into the accident. | |
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. |