UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Thursday that he was deeply saddened by a coal mine accident in Turkey, in which nearly 300 people were killed and many others missing or seriously injured.

A statement issued by his spokesperson said the UN chief stood together with the people of Turkey as they mourned fathers, sons and brothers, and attend to the wounded.

"He shares their hope that the causes will be investigated expeditiously and that measures will be taken to prevent such disasters in the future," it said.

"The thoughts and prayers of the Secretary-General are with the families of the victims and with the people and communities affected by this tragic event," the statement said.

At least 282 workers had been killed and hundreds remained trapped underground after an explosion and fire at a coal mine in western Turkish province of Manisa on Tuesday.

Turks heckle Erdogan after mining disaster	274 dead in Turkey's worst-ever mine disaster