Five killed in mine explosion

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan (JP): Five people were killed when a coal mine near the Mahakam River in Kutai Regency of East Kalimantan exploded, the Antara news agency reported yesterday.

The five were workers of PT Fajar Bumi Sakti, a coal mining firm, who had been sent into the mine's tunnel to inspect the electricity installation.

Four of the five were burned beyond recognition when their bodies were recovered from the tunnel.

Kutai Police are still investigating the cause of the accident but they suspect that the explosion originated from gas emitted from the mine pits.

Fortunately, there was no activity inside the pit at the time of the explosion. All the miners were outside awaiting the repair of the electricity installation.

The company was not available for comment on the accident.

All five bodies were taken to the Parikesit General Hospital in Tenggarong. (emb)