106 dead in Russia's mine blast

Moscow, Mar 20 (UNI) The death toll in Russia's mine blast in Kemerovo region of West Siberia has risen to 106, Russian news agencies reported quoting the latest casualty figures by the press service of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry.

Russian Prosecutor General's Office said today that the mine explosion occurred yesterday during equipment check.

"It has been established that the explosion took place when equipment was being checked. Methane or coal dust is believed to have exploded, bringing down the roof," Interfax news agency said quoting a report issued by the Prosecutor General's Office.

There were 203 miners inside the mine at the time of accident, 93 of them have been rescued, RIA Novosti news agency said.

UNI