HARBIN -- Eight miners were missing following a coal mine blast in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, confirmed local authorities on Sunday.

The accident occurred in Xingwei Coal Mine of Hegang City in Heilongjiang at 4:30 a.m. Sunday when miners were working underground. Some managed to escape, but the number of escaped is unknown yet as local reporters are hurrying to the spot.

Rescuers are trying to make out identities of the missing while searching for them.
Cause of the accident is under investigation.

The mine is privately owned with the capacity of producing 60,000 tons of coal a year.