Five rescuers are among 36 who have been killed in a series of explosions at a mine in Severnaya.
Two explosions rocked the mine-where 110 people were working-on Feb. 25.
Search and rescue teams were dispatched to the mine to begin rescue efforts and at least 80 workers had been removed, according to a statement from EMERCOM of Russia.
Twenty-six workers were reported to still be trapped in the mine Sunday night when a third explosion occurred.
The rescuers who perished include: Aleksandr Belokobylsky, Vladimir Petrov, Sergei Smychenko, Pavel Shakirov and Yevgeny Tsurkov. A miner also died in the explosion, which officials believe to have been caused by a methane build up.
With close to 500 rescuers on scene, high ranking officials told crews they need to reevaluate the situation.
“I give you an hour to prepare comprehensive and clear report on options developed by the Technical Committee, taking in the consideration the third explosion, which happened at night”, Minister of Emergency Situations Vladimir Puchkov told rescuers. “Specialists must evaluate all risks and after that we would be able to conclude our further actions”.
Puchkov visited injured rescuers in the hospital, praising them for their work.
“You are heroes, you were trying to rescue miners in extreme situation, in zero visibility and high temperature," Puchkov told the injured. "You risked your lives and did your best and even more than that."
Visiting the families of the killed miners, he said “This is our duty to save people as long as there is even the tiniest of hopes. The men were making their way towards their fellows, to reach them, to use the smallest chance."
