Ukraine mine blast kills 63, 37 missing

A rescue worker prepares go to the entrance of the Zasyadka mine in Donetsk, Ukraine, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

A relative of a mine methane blast's victim cries at the Zasyadka mine in Donetsk, Ukraine, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

A coal mine explosion in eastern Ukraine has killed at least 63 miners and 37 are missing.The explosion is the latest in a string of accidents in the region's outdated mines.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych has rushed to the scene and President Victor Yushchenko will fly to Donetsk later Monday.

Ukraine's Emergencies Ministry says 457 miners were underground when a blast occurred on Sunday at a depth of over 1,000 meters. 31 other miners were in the immediate vicinity at the time. More than 40 rescue teams have brought nearly 300 miners to safety so far.