Gas Explosion Kills Ukrainian Coal Miners

Sun., June 9, 1996

Compiled From Wire Services

A methane gas explosion killed six coal miners in the Donetsk region of Ukraine on Saturday and injured seven.

The Interfax news agency said the blast was in the Zasyadko mine in eastern Ukraine.

It said a government commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Vasily Durdinets was at the accident site.

Mine safety in coal-rich Ukraine has been steadily deteriorating because of aging equipment, lack of funds for upkeep and poor safety standards

In 1995, more than 300 miners died on the job. At least 46 have died this year in the former Soviet republic.

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Gas Explosion Kills Ukrainian Coal Miners

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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