VIDEO: Preliminary Reports Indicate 52 Dead in Kuzbass Coal Mine, Including Six Rescuers - RIA Novosti

The Russian Investigative Committee has released a video featuring detained managers of the Kuzbass 'Listvyazhnaya' mine. A criminal case has been opened concerning the deaths of miners, resulting in the detention of the mine’s 47-year-old director, his 59-year-old first deputy, and a 36-year-old section head. They are suspected of violating industrial safety requirements in hazardous production facilities.

The deaths of 11 miners and three rescuers have been officially confirmed, while another 35 workers and three rescuers are reported missing. Rescue operations have been halted due to dangerous concentrations of gas. The emergency services have acknowledged that there is practically no chance of finding them alive.

RIA Novosti, citing emergency services, reported that preliminary data suggests 52 people have died, including six rescuers.