There were 230 people at the mine in the moment of explosion. 14 injured and other 157 miners were evacuated in the initial hours after the blast. Pro-Russian separatists who control the area are accused by Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk of denying Ukrainian rescue teams access to the site. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called for rescuers to be allowed in asking Russia. At the same time, a representative of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, said Ukraine had not offered help with the rescue. He said the Donetsk People’s Republic will ask Russia or separatist authorities in Luhansk for such help if needed.Ukraine`s coal mines are considered among the world`s most dangerous.Zasyadko mine is one of the country`s biggest.
