Firefighters have rescued miners trapped underground after an explosion in eastern Germany.

Around 35 people were still underground when there was a blast at the Teutschenthal facility, near Halle.

Two workers were injured – one of them seriously – and taken to hospital after the incident, which happened at 9am local time.

The others made it to the rescue area – some 700 meters (2,300 feet) underground.

Officials began to to bring the miners up to the surface via an intact shaft, according to local media.

Broadcaster MDR reported that firefighters have successfully carried out a rescue operation, and shortly afterwards local police tweeted: ‘All personnel have been rescued’.

Those below the ground had made it to  secure areas with oxygen supplies, the state mining authority in Saxony-Anhalt said.

The facility is a former potash mine where mineral waste is now stored.

Officials have not confirmed what might have caused the explosion.

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