Death toll in Karaganda mine blast climbs to 28 UPDATED

The number of people killed in the fire at the Kostenko mine in Karaganda (administrative centre of Karaganda region) has increased to 28.

Caliber.Az reports with reference to Kazakhstani media that the press service of the regional Department of Emergency Situations announced the death toll.

"As of 15:00 the bodies of 28 dead have been found, the search for 18 miners continues," the press service said.

Earlier it was reported about 22 dead.

11:49

The number of dead in the accident at the Kostenko mine in Karaganda has increased to 21, while 23 miners remain underground.

The press service of ArcelorMittal Temirtau, which owns the enterprise, announced the number of deaths, Caliber.Az reports.

Earlier it was reported about 20 dead as a result of the emergency.

"208 out of 252 miners were brought to the surface, 18 of them sought medical help. There are 23 miners left in the mine. The bodies of 21 miners were found. Search and rescue operations are continuing," the report says.

11:01

At least 11 people were killed at the Kostenko mine explosion in Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan with 18 miners injured. At the time of the accident, 252 miners were under ground, 205 of them were brought to the surface.

Akim Ermaganbet Bulekpayev of Karaganda Region announced the number of deaths. According to preliminary information, the cause of the accident was a methane explosion in the longwall (underground mine), the press service of the ArcelorMittal Temirtau company reports.

Some 40 rescuers and 10 units of equipment are involved in the rescue operation. The akim of Karaganda Region, the director-general of ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC, the first deputy prosecutor-general, the regional prosecutor, and heads of the law enforcement agencies are also on the scene.