13 declared dead in Russia's Far East gold mine collapse

VLADIVOSTOK -- The rescue operation at the Pioneer gold mine in Russia's Far East region of Amur has officially been halted, as the 13 miners trapped in ruins were declared dead, local media reported on Monday.

A landslide occurred at the mine on the evening of March 18 local time, trapping 13 miners under the rubble.

Rescue work began on the same day, with forces and equipment from a number of regions involved. The operation was then stopped due to the high risk of subsequent collapse and danger to the rescuers.

After the rescue operation ended, entry into the mine was restricted. Currently, specialists are preparing work to eliminate the threat of another collapse.

The managing director of the Pioneer mine was detained by law enforcement officers on March 26, charged with violating safety requirements during work, and subsequently taken into custody.