In pictures: Russia mine tragedy

1 of 8 Rescuers tried desperately to save dozens of men trapped underground when a blast ripped through Siberia's Taizhina coal mine early on Saturday.

2 of 8 Taizhina and a neighbouring pit were used as rescuers fought to reach their colleagues...

3 of 8 ...but most of the men were already dead.

4 of 8 Relatives could only scour lists of the dead and injured for news of their loved ones.

5 of 8 Some families wept openly as the tragedy sunk in.

6 of 8 Mothers grieved for lost sons...

7 of 8 ...and wives for their husbands. Dozens of children are now without fathers.

8 of 8 Russian miners know their job is a dangerous one, in a chronically underfunded industry rife with problems.