At least 25 miners were killed and 19 were injured Sunday in an explosion in a coal mine in the east Ukrainian region of Donetsk, the emergencies ministry said.
"The toll could rise," said ministry official Olexy Pechyonkin. At least 21 miners were reported missing.
"Fire broke out at the blast site, making rescue operations more difficult," Pechyonkin added.
A total of 259 miners had been working in the area of the firedamp explosion early Sunday in the Zasyadko pit at Donetsk, some 1,200 meters (3,900 feet), the official said.
First reports said that 203 miners had been brought back to the surface after the explosion -- KIEV (AFP)
