In the Magadan region located in Russia's Far East, a coal mine collapsed due to permafrost thawing, trapping at least eight miners underground. The accident at the mine operated by Kolymskaya Coal Company is reported to have been caused by the melting of underground ice or loose rock mass. Initially, a rockslide buried a heavy construction machine and its operator, and seven other workers who intervened for rescue were also buried by a second, larger collapse. Regional governor Sergei Nosov announced that rescue teams were dispatched to the area by helicopters and that operations continued throughout the night. Authorities reported that about 80,000 cubic meters of debris need to be removed and an investigation into safety violations related to the incident has been launched. In this region, one of Russia's largest fossil fuel exporters, scientists have long warned that permafrost thawing could lead to similar disasters. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.