Warsaw, Methane explosions at a coal mine in southern Poland today killed four people and injured 19, local authorities said. Seven others were missing.

The blasts took place at about 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) under the surface at the Pniowek mine in Pawlowice.

The immediate rescue operation by 13 units of rescuers had to be suspended because of a fire and the need to protect the rescuers.

Contact with seven of the rescuers has been lost during the operation, mine authorities said.

Source: Oman News Agency