Five die in Ukraine mine blast

KIEV - A methane explosion in a Ukrainian colliery killed five miners and injured three, the Emergencies Ministry said on Sunday.

A spokesman said the explosion occurred 550m below ground at the Lesnaya mine, one of the few pits in western Ukraine. Three miners were killed underground, while two died later in hospital.

Two of the injured had serious burns.

Accidents are frequent occurrences in Ukraine's ageing and generally loss-making mines, many dating from the 19th century.

Last July, more than 30 were killed in a methane explosion in Donetsk region, the heart of Ukraine's coal-producing area.

- REUTERS