Russia coal mine explosion kills 18 in Komi region Published duration 11 February 2013

An underground explosion at a coal mine in the Komi region of northern Russia has killed 18 people, officials say.

Rescuers were brought in to search for people trapped below the surface at the Vorkutinskaya mine after the blast caused a tunnel collapse.

The explosion is thought to have been caused by a methane gas build-up. About 240 miners escaped to the surface.

Accidents are frequent in Russia's huge coal mining industry despite recent efforts to improve safety.