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Ukraine Mourns Miners Killed In Donetsk Coal Mine Blast

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Wounded Miner Describes Disaster In Donetsk
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WATCH: Wounded Miner Describes Disaster In Donetsk

Ukraine is observing a day of mourning for the victims of a coal mine blast in the rebel-held eastern city of Donetsk.

Officials in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic said the bodies of 32 miners had been recovered and one was still missing following the March 4 blast at the Zasyadko mine.

Russian-backed separatist officials said the accident was caused by methane gas.

President Petro Poroshenko declared a day of national mourning on March 5 and decreed a minute's silence to be observed at midday.

Ukrainian authorities attempted to send rescue teams to Donetsk, but Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said the separatists refused to give them access.

The Kremlin said the Russian government is considering "the possibility of extending individual assistance” to the victims' families.

Based on reporting by Interfax, AP, and AFP

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