Three-Day Mourning Announced for Workers Killed in Komi Due to Mine Blast

The Governor of Russia’s Komi Republic (Northen Russia) announced a three-day mourning period for those who were killed in two explosions at a mine in the town of Vorkuta.

ST. PETERSBURG (Sputnik) – The acting head of northern Russia’s Komi Republic announced a three-day mourning period for staff and rescue workers killed in two explosions at a mine in the town of Vorkuta.

"Expressing grief for the victims and condolences to their relatives and friends, I decree: to declare February 28, February 29 and March 1, 2016, days of mourning in the Komi Republic," Sergei Gaplikov wrote.

Cultural institutions and television channels have been requested to cancel entertainment events and programming during the mourning period.

A blast rocked the "Severnaya" (Northern) mine at the depth of 2,500 feet on February 25, according to the Emergencies Ministry. Four workers died and 26 remain missing after 80 people were brought to the surface after the incident.

Another mine worker and five emergencies personnel were killed in a second explosion early Sunday, according to preliminary data provided to RIA Novosti.