MOSCOW, Nov 26 (CGTN) - A gas leak and subsequent explosion at the Listvyazhnaya coal mine in Siberia killed at least 52 people on Thursday, including six rescuers sent to extricate dozens of miners, Russian news agencies have reported.

The regional Investigative Committee said three people, including the mine's director and his deputy, have been arrested on suspicion of violating industrial safety rules. It added that the victims suffocated when a ventilation shaft filled with gas.

State television claimed that prosecutors believe there was an underground methane explosion.