The death toll from an accident at a Siberian coal mine has risen to fifty-two, according to Russian media reports.

Eleven people were initially confirmed to have died after coal dust in a ventilation shaft caught fire early on Thursday, filling the mine with smoke.

A rescue operation had hoped to find survivors, but ended in tragedy.

One rescue team lost touch with the surface, with at least three rescuers confirmed to have died although local media suggest the toll is higher.

About two hundred and eighty-five people were in the mine at the time of the accident, with the majority escaping.

Meanwhile, it is unclear how many rescue workers are among the fatalities.