Russia’s Emergency Situations Minister Vladimir Puchkov says there is almost no chance that any of the 26 miners missing underground since a 25 February explosion at the Severnaya mine in Russia’s Far East are still alive, reports rferl.org.

‘Puchkov made the announcement on 28 February just hours after an explosion at the mine near the city of Vorkutsk killed six rescuers who were trying to reach the missing miners.’

‘Puchkov said high temperatures and the lack of oxygen in the damaged part of the mine would ‘not allow anyone to survive’.’

‘He said no contact had been made with any of the missing miners since the 25 February explosion.’

‘Rescue operations were halted after the latest explosion killed the six rescue workers.’

‘A spokesman for the company that operates the facility said the explosions were thought to have been caused by high methane levels and fire inside the mine.’

‘Altogether, 36 people are thought to have died — including the six rescue workers, the 26 missing miners, and four miners killed by the initial explosion on 25 February.’

‘Nine miners who were injured by the 25 February explosion were evacuated.’

‘On 28 February, authorities in Russia’s Republic of Komi announced a three-day mourning period to honour the victims of the tragedy.’

‘The six rescue workers who were killed are to be honoured with posthumous state medals.’