Russian Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu on Monday told President Dmitry Medvedev that the main ventilation system in a mine killing at least 32 was ready, but said hope in saving the 58 unaccounted for was diminishing.
More than 70 people were also injured after two explosions hit the mine, near the town of Mezhdurechensk in the Kemerovo Region, in the space of four hours late on Saturday and early on Sunday.
"Rescue work is continuing, but unfortunately the work is becoming more difficult. There is less and less hope of finding anyone alive in further searches," Shoigu told Medvedev during a video linkup with president's Situation Room with key ministers.
Shoigu said rescuers and specialists were conducting constant monitoring of the coal shafts and that specialists from the Energy Ministry were brought in to repair the energy system. He said that electricity had been hooked up throughout the system and preparations were being made to turn on the main ventilation system.
Medvedev earlier on Monday instructed First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov to fly to the scene to control cleanup efforts.
Medvedev also instructed Russian Prosecutor General Yury Chaika to begin investigations into the cause of the blasts in the Raspadskaya mine and to find those responsible for the tragedy.
GORKI (Moscow Region), May 10 (RIA Novosti)
