Death toll in eastern Ukraine coalmine explosion rises to 33

The Zasyadko mine in the Donetsk Region was hit by an explosion on the night of November 17-18.

The vice-premier said a fire was still raging in the coalmine.

"Efforts are under way to extinguish the fire. After that, rescuers will begin their work," Klyuyev said.

Earlier reports said 27 miners have been hospitalized. - Ria Novosti

BBC reports that "A criminal case has been opened into the accident, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office told news agency Itar-Tass. It said the Donetsk regional prosecutor was visiting the scene. - Three days of mourning have reportedly been declared by the head of the regional administration."