No fewer than 15 people died after a dam at a Siberian gold mine collapsed and water flooded two dormitories where workers were sleeping.
Another 13 people are unaccounted for, prompting a major search operation to search for them, according to Russia’s emergencies ministry.
The collapse during heavy rain happened early on Saturday near the village of Shchetinkino, in the Krasnoyarsk region, about 2,100 miles east of Moscow.
A criminal investigation has been opened by Russia’s investigative committee to look into possible charges of violation of workplace safety regulations.
The Russian news agency Interfax reported that water damaged temporary shelters where miners were sleeping.
The agency also quoted sources saying the dam was not registered with the Environmental, Industrial and Nuclear Supervision Service, making it illegal. (Skynews)