Ambulances parked at the coal mine, in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, Oct 28, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

ASTANA - The death toll from a coal mine accident in central Kazakhstan has reached 45, said the Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Sunday.

Rescue operations are still going on for one missing miner after a fire broke out Saturday at the Kostenko mine of the ArcelorMittal Temirtau company in the city of Karaganda, the ministry said in a statement.

Earlier on Saturday, the Kazakh government declared Sunday a national mourning day for the victims.

There were 252 people inside the mine when the fire occurred, with more than 200 subsequently evacuated. Investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident

There were 252 people inside the mine when the fire occurred, with more than 200 subsequently evacuated.

Investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.

READ MORE: At least 28 dead, 18 missing after mine fire in Kazakhstan

Gennady Silinsky, a senior emergency services official, on Sunday confirmed the death toll and continuing operation in Karaganda, a major coal mining centre, to Kazakhstan's Khabar-24 television.

"Work is going on round the clock in shifts in two areas of operations," Murat Katpanov, another emergency official, told Khabar-24.

"Gas levels are normal. There are no visible signs of fire."

ALSO READ: Kazakh President Tokayev wins re-election with 81.3% of vote

Earlier statements said rescue operations in the two areas - 4 km apart - were hampered by power cuts and wrecked equipment, reports Reuters from Almaty.