The blast occurred at the Vorkutinskaya coal mine in Russia's northern region of Komi. At least 18 workers were killed, according to Russian officials.

Officials said a buildup of methane gas had caused the blast.

A spokesman for the Emergency Situations Ministry told reporters that they had recovered 10 bodies and were continuing the search for missing persons believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

No statement had been given regarding the incident by the company that owns the mine, Severstal, Russia's largest steel producer.

kms/pfd (AP, AFP, Reuters)