Five Arrested in Connection with Mine Explosion in Russia that Claimed 52 Lives; One Person Rescued

A methane explosion at the "Listvyazhnaya" coal mine in Russia yesterday resulted in the deaths of 52 individuals, including six rescuers. This morning, posthumous honors were awarded to the deceased rescuers with the Order of Courage. One rescuer, Alexander Zakovryashinin, was successfully brought out of the mine alive.

“That is already a miracle; I believe we will not find any more survivors given the severity of the incident in the mine,” said Sergey Tsivilyov, the governor of the Kemerovo region.

Prior to the explosion, miners had complained about elevated levels of methane gas in the mine. A criminal case has been opened regarding the explosion, and five individuals have been arrested, including the mine director, his deputy, the head of the production department, and two employees of "Rostekhnadzor" who had previously conducted inspections and permitted the mine's operation.