Earlier, an Emergency Ministry source said: 'We have lost contact with five (miners). There was a gas blast'

The emergency with at least three fatalities was at Zapolyarny mine near the Arctic city of Norilsk, it was reported.

It is believed a total of 165 people were underground at the time of the blast.

Numbers varied in reports but accounts said four were killed and five were missing.

Some 151 were believed to have been brought safely to the surface.



Some 151 were believed to have been brought safely to the surface

It appeared that six were unaccounted for beyond the dead and injured.

Earlier, an Emergency Ministry source said: 'We have lost contact with five (miners). There was a gas blast.'

Another report citing the Russian Investigative Committee said four miners were missing.

'An investigation and operational group is working at the site, trying to establish all circumstances of the incident,' said a source.

'All the victims were provided with the necessary assistance,' said safety official Sergei Gradyushko.

Norilsk is a city in Krasnoyarsk region with a population of 175,000 .

The mine is owned by metals giant Norilsk Nickel.

Inside the Zapolyarny Mine. Pictures: Norilsk Nickel