An explosion occurred during welding work at a backup pumping station at the Elga coal mine in Russia’s Yakutia, resulting in fatalities.

The exact number of people killed in the incident has not yet been disclosed. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion, acccording to RIA Novosti.

The incident occurred at the Elga coal deposit in the Neryungri district of southern Yakutia. The mine is described as Russia’s largest coal deposit and one of the largest in the world.

The Elga company said the explosion may have been caused by a loss of pressure containment in a water tank.

There is no threat of the situation worsening because the tank was located a considerable distance from the main production complex.