14 dead, 17 missing in Ukraine mine blast

DONETSK, Ukraine, Nov 18 (Reuters) A methane explosion ripped through a mine in Ukraine's Donbass coalfield today, killing 14 miners and leaving 17 missing, officials said.

The State Committee for Labour Safety said 31 miners had been in the immediate vicinity of the 3 a.m. blast at the Zasyadko mine, in the coalfield's main town, Donetsk, and 14 were known to have died.

REUTERS SG ND1328