A major rescue operation is underway after an explosion at a mine in eastern Russia left dozens of miners trapped deep underground and killed at least eight.
The blast took place 820ft below the surface at Listvyazhnaya coal mine in Siberia shortly after 9am Thursday, when coal dust in the ventilation ducts caught fire.
At least eight people - including a 23-year-old - were killed with another 43 suffering injuries from smoke inhalation, including two in serious condition.
But many more are unaccounted for and feared trapped. Amid confusion over the numbers, regional governor Sergei Tsivilev said 49 were missing but other reports put the figure as high as 75.
A total of 154 rescuers are working at the mine, and have so-far checked 11 miles of tunnels out of a total of 25 miles, said local sources
Interfax said an explosion 'thundered' in the mine causing the emergency. Fire was said to be raging in a ventilation tunnel.
A report by Russia's Interfax news agency said an 'equipment malfunction' or 'natural causes' were seen as the cause of the explosion.
A major operation in subzero temperatures was underway to save the trapped miners, according to multiple reports.
The Russian Investigative Committee indicated 45 people missing.But Mash news outlet, which showed pictures from the scene, said 75 remained trapped inside the mine. Interfax reported the same figure
As the first victims emerged from the mine, a local emergencies source said: 'According to preliminary data, none have bodily injuries.'
'They inhaled (smoke) as a result of the explosion.'
According to Russia's technological watchdog, an explosion occurred in the mine's airway. An was launched by the Kemerovo region prosecutor's office.
Listvyazhnaya is part of SDS-Ugol, one of Russia's biggest coal mining companies.