Moscow: At least 20 miners were killed and 30 trapped underground after a methane blast ripped through a coal mine in Russia today (April 10, 2004).

The blast occurred at 4.30 hrs (IST) at 'Tayzhina' coal mine in Siberian region of Kemerovo where over 60 miners were working at that time, according to Russian media reports.

Eleven miners were rescued, while 20 bodies were pulled out by rescuers.

In all, 15 rescue teams have been pressed into action to evacuate trapped miners. More teams have been rushed from Moscow.

Kemerovo Governor Aman Tuleyev, who is personally co-ordinating the rescue efforts, said no fire has been reported following methane blast and the chances of finding some more survivors still remain.