Dozens Killed In Ukraine Mine Explosion

Dozens have died after an explosion at a coal mine in rebel-held eastern Ukraine, local news agencies have reported.

"The total deaths amount to 33 people," Interfax news agency said, citing the region administration's press service.

Earlier, local authorities said another 16 people were injured in the blast at the mine in Zasyadko, Donetsk.

Families of those caught up in the disaster have been gathering at the entrance to the mine.

One of the survivors, who was taken to a Donetsk hospital, said: "I was blown away by an explosion. I came round. There was dust everywhere and people were moaning."

Mine officials say the blast was likely to have been caused by gas and was not linked to recent fighting in the area.

Donetsk has seen fierce clashes between government troops and separatist rebels, who control the region.

Ukraine's prime minister Arseny Yatseniuk has accused the separatists of blocking rescue workers dispatched by central authorities.

"... The Russian terrorists did not let them reach the scene of the accident," he said, using a term commonly used by Kiev to describe the rebels.

The Zasyadko mine has a long history of fatal accidents, including a blast in 2007 which left 106 people dead.

Many of the miners killed are buried in a cemetery next to the pit.

The mines in eastern Ukraine are among some of the most dangerous in the world due to the high levels of methane produced which increase the risk of explosions.

Some 300 men die in mine accidents in the region every year.