Maximum 18 workers believed still trapped in Turkey mine: minister

Rescuers evacuate a colleague after inhaling smoke on May 15, 2014, two days after an explosion in a coal mine at Soma in Manisa. A maximum of 18 people are still believed to be trapped in a Turkish coal mine following a blast which killed more than
Rescuers evacuate a colleague after inhaling smoke on May 15, 2014, two days after an explosion in a coal mine at Soma in Manisa. A maximum of 18 people are still believed to be trapped in a Turkish coal mine following a blast which killed more than 280, the energy minister said on Friday, May 16, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP

SOMA (AFP) - A maximum of 18 people are still believed to be trapped in a Turkish coal mine following a blast which killed more than 280, the energy minister said on Friday.

"A maximum number of 18 workers are inside," Mr Taner Yildiz told reporters.

"We expect the toll at around 301 or 302."

It was unclear if the men are still alive.

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