A total of 46 people are trapped and 11 of them died, while the rescue operation continues, according to regional authorities.

The TASS news agency noted that 43 injured were hospitalized, four in serious condition and the other 39 are in mild or moderate condition.

A report was released at 05:08 local time regarding the spread of smoke at a depth of 250 meters and a subsequent explosion in the ventilation gallery of the mine, as per the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry.

Investigations have so far revealed that the cause of the accident was an ignition of coal dust in a ventilation shaft, after which smoke spread throughout the mine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to apply all possible efforts to continue the rescue operation, as well as to provide the necessary assistance to the victims, said presidential spokesman Dmitri Peskov.

He also explained that the head of state is aware of the situation based on reports provided by the governor of the Kemerovo region and the acting head of the Russian Emergency Ministry, Alexander Chupriyan.

Putin expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the miners who died in the accident, the Kremlin’s official website said.

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