Ukraine mine blast leaves 16 dead Published duration 29 July 2011

An explosion at a mine in the Ukraine's eastern Lugansk region has left at least 16 people dead, the emergencies ministry says.

A further 10 people were unaccounted for, and two miners were being treated in hospital, reports said.

The explosion took place at 01:57 local time (22:57 GMT).

A lack of equipment and safety standards make Ukrainian coal mines among the most dangerous in the world, and accidents are common.