The number of people killed in Wednesday's mine blast near the Urals city of Nizhny Tagil has climbed to eight, a spokeswoman for the local emergency services said.
"According to the latest information, eight people died, one is missing," a spokeswoman said.
"The region's governor, Alexander Misharin, immediately ceased his work in Moscow and is heading to the site of the accident," the statement says.
Over 120 workers were in the mine when the blast occurred. At least 114 were evacuated safely and did not need any medical treatment.
Rescuers cite safety violations during explosive transportation as the most likely cause of the incident. The mine's operation is temporary suspended.
The city's administration, firemen, doctors, emergency and security services and police are working at the scene.
This is the second incident at the mine this year. In late January, about 15 workers were hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning.
YEKATERINBURG, December 23 (RIA Novosti)
