18 Dead in Russia Mine Explosion

Eighteen people have been killed in an explosion at a north Russia coal mine, the AP reports, after a deadly methane buildup. Ten bodies have been recovered so far in the Komi region mine. An official tells Russian television that just 23 men were in the mine during the blast; two managed to get out on their own while three were rescued, he says. Russia, which has weak safety standards, often sees mine deaths; nine were killed in two explosions last month, the AP notes. The country has lately sought to improve conditions, the BBC adds. (More Russia stories.)