MOSCOW, August 17 (RAPSI) – President Vladimir Putin has pardoned ex-CEO of the Ulyanovskaya Mine in Siberia, Andrey Funk, sentenced to 6 years in prison in the case over explosion at the enterprise in 2007 that left 110 people dead, according to the official website of legal information.

The order will take effect in 10 days after its official publication.

A methane explosion in the Ulyanovskaya Mine occurred in March 2007. Of the 203 individuals in the mine, 110 were killed. The blast was presumably caused by a short circuit.  

A criminal case has been opened following the disaster. Six defendants have been found guilty of violating safety rules at explosion hazardous facilities resulted in the death of more than two persons. They have received prison terms ranging from 3 to 6 years.