Death toll in Russian coal mine explosion reaches 18February 11, 2013 - 16:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The death toll in the gas blast at a coal mine in Russia’s northern republic of Komi has risen to 18, the republic’s Interior Ministry said on Monday, February 11, according to RIA Novosti. “According to preliminary data, 18 people were killed and ten bodies have been pulled out to the surface,” the ministry said in a statement. However, the Russian Investigative Committee puts the death toll figure at 15. According to the regional Emergencies Ministry, twenty-six miners were working in the section of the mine where methane exploded at a depth of 800 meters. In total some 259 people were working at the mine at that time. The Vorkutinskaya mine, in operation since 1973, is owned by the northern division of one of Russia's largest steel producers Severstal. It produces 1.8 million tons of coal annually. Mine safety conditions in Russia have often been a cause for concern. In 2010, 91 workers died in twin methane gas explosions at a mine owned by the Raspadskaya company in the country's eastern Kemerovo region. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |