An explosion at a coal mine in Ukraine is reported to have killed six people and injured one other.

The Russian Interfax news agency said the accident happened during blasting work in the Kyrova mine in the eastern Luhansk region.

Two other workers escaped unhurt.

More than three-hundred-and-forty workers died in mine accidents in the Ukraine last year.

Correspondents say most were blamed on old equipment and a disregard for safety rules.