Afghan mine claims 27 lives

Afghan officials have confirmed the fatal demise of 27 miners who were trapped underground in the northern province of Samangan.

A spokesman for the governor told news agencies that the miners were trapped when a section in the Abkhorak coal mine collapsed. Rescue operation were launched, however the lack of suitable equipment led to four of the rescuers being injured in the operation.

The official explained that a further 13 others could still be trapped underground. The mine, part of the state controlled mining industry lies 215km north of Kabul.

This is the latest in a string of industrial incidents in Afghanistan's mining industry. 11 miners lost their lives last December when another mine collapsed.