ArcelorMittal Temirtau says methane gas explosion caused fire in mine in Karaganda rgn killing 16

The preliminary cause of the fire in the Kostenko mine, killing 16, is a methane gas explosion in the lava, the ArcelorMittal Temirtau company said, Kazinform News Agency reports. 

205 out of the 252 mine workers have been lifted to the surface. Of these, 18 have sought medical treatment. The search for 31 more miners is underway, 16 mine workers have been found dead, the press service of ArcelorMittal Temirtau said in a statement.