Police have rushed to the scene of the blaze in what is feared to be a major emergency. It remains unclear how many people are stuck down the mine, but based on the numbers who work at the site, as many are 80 could be trapped underground.

“A machine has caught fire in the Garpenberg mine,” police said in a statement.

“It is unclear if the current machine is still burning. Police are on their way to the scene.

“70-80 people should be down in the mine.”

According to local media, the machine was being operated at a depth of 850 meters underground when it caught alight.

Workers desperately attempted to put out the fire but were unable to distinguish the blaze.

The workers subsequently made their way to rescue shelters where they are waiting to be rescued by the emergency services.

More to follow…