Possible cause of fatal explosion at Yakutia coal mine identified UPDATED

The explosion at the Elginsky coal deposit in Russia’s Yakutia region may have been caused by the depressurisation of a water tank, Elga company said, as per Russian media.

The company said there was no risk of the situation worsening because the tank was located a considerable distance from the production complex.

11:08

Four people were killed and two others injured in an explosion at the Elginsky coal deposit in Russia’s Yakutia region, the Sakha Republic prosecutor’s office said, according to TASS.

The incident took place during welding work at the site, based on preliminary information. A container at a backup pumping station became depressurised while it was holding water, generating a powerful shock wave.

Six workers at the station were thrown from a significant height by the blast. Four died at the scene, while two others sustained head injuries and multiple fractures.

Emergency crews are continuing to work at the site. The Neryungri city prosecutor’s office has opened an inquiry into the incident to determine what happened and assess compliance with occupational and industrial safety regulations.

By Tamilla Hasanova