The mine had remained in operation despite the ongoing conflict nearby between pro-Russian rebels and the Ukrainian government.

Most of the bodies have been brought to the surface for identification, while survivors were being treated in hospital for burns and gas poisoning, according to reports by AFP.

“Security norms are not respected. They force them to extract without pause to have results and round numbers,” a woman whose husband died in the mine told AFP.

While the Ukrainian provincial government is expected to launch an inquiry into the possible violation of safety precautions at the mine, it is hampered in conducting a proper investigation because the mine is under the control of pro-Russian separatists.

Meanwhile, rebel prosecutors said they had launched a probe of their own.