17 dead after Turkish mining blast
From CNN Correspondent Alphonso Van Marsh
ISTANBUL, Turkey (CNN) -- An explosion and fire in a coal mine in Turkey's western district has left at least 17 people dead, the state-run Anatolia News agency says.
Earlier, the mayor of Gokler, the village where the mining accident took place Thursday morning, said 19 miners had been trapped.
It was not immediately clear if rescuers believe they have accounted for everyone.
Anatolia said 17 bodies had been recovered. Local broadcaster CNN Turk is reporting the miners died from gas poisoning.
Mayor Murat Bardakci had said 17 workers and two engineers were trapped and that emergency crews on the scene had been unable to reach them. He said more experienced crews were called in.
Two workers escaped from the fire before the shaft entrance was closed off, he told CNN Turk. Anatolia said they were treated for minor injuries.
Anatolia reported that there was a methane gas explosion in the mine, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) from the town of Gediz, in Turkey's Kuthaya province.
There are conflicting reports as to whether a fire in the shaft followed the explosion, as well as if bodies removed from the shaft were charred.
