An explosion at a Russian coal mine on Monday killed nine people and eight more were feared trapped under rubble at the pit in the northern Komi region, the Interior Ministry said.

The Emergencies Ministry had said earlier on Monday that nine miners were feared trapped and that at least eight had been saved.

Emergency workers are currently working to free the miners still trapped underground after this morning’s explosion, which was believed to be the result of a methane build-up. We’ll keep you updated on the story as more becomes available.