A Massive rescue operation is underway to find five people trapped in a disused tungsten mine in the Siberian republic of Buriatia. The Republic`s President is at the site of the accident, which has already claimed seven lives.

Initially, a group of men went to look for tungsten ore in the abandoned mine, ignoring warning signs.

Underground, they encountered a build-up of gas, but one man managed to escape and raise the alarm.

Around a dozen local former miners came to help.

Once inside the mine, they were also affected by the gas.

Authorities say seven people have been rescued, but three bodies remain underground.
sections: Accidents, Region News
areas: Siberian region