Brussels - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his condolences to the people of Slovakia on Tuesday following a coal mine disaster believed to have killed 20 people.

"I am deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of life caused by the tragic coal mine explosion that occurred yesterday in Handlova. On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to you and to the people of Slovakia," Barroso said in a message to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The tragedy occurred on Monday, when a methane gas explosion ripped through the mine, 330 metres underground. Seven bodies have so far been recovered.

Slovakia joined the EU in 2004. (dpa)