DHAKA: Trade unions in Turkey have announced a one-day strike in protest at the country's worst ever mine disaster which has claimed at least 274 lives.

Union officials said the recent privatisation of the mining sector had made working conditions more dangerous.

Three days of mourning for the victims are also due to begin on Thursday.

Anger erupted against the government in several cities on Wednesday after the disaster in the western town of Soma on the previous day.

An explosion caused the pit to collapse while more than 700 miners were underground.

Government officials said 363 miners were rescued in the hours after the explosion, but no survivors have been brought out since dawn on Wednesday.

Rescuers are still hunting desperately for scores of miners who are missing feared dead, but Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said the mine was still on fire hampering their efforts.

Eighty of those rescued have been treated for injuries, none of which were described as serious, reports the BBC.

BDST: 09232 HRS, MAY 15, 2014