Methane Blamed for Alrosa Diamond Mine Blast

(IDEX Online News) – Methane gas is thought to have been responsible for an explosion that killed two workers digging a mine in Yakutia last week.

Four other workers were injured in the accident, which took place 365 meters underground, according to Russia's ITAR-Tass news agency.

Seventeen people were underground at the Alrosa mine, which is currently under construction.

ITAR-Tass reported that 12 people came to the surface on their own, including the four injured workers. Five miners – including the two dead men – were taken up to the surface by militarized mining rescue team.

The accident remains under investigation.