(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-03 07:05

KUNMING -- A coal mine gas explosion killed nine and injured another six in southwest China's Yunnan province on Sunday, local government reported.

The accident happened in Shizishan Colliery of Zhenxiong County, Zhaotong City at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Eight people died at the scene and another one died later in hospital. Of the injured, two are still in critical condition.

The private coal mine, covering an area of 3.9 square kilometers, has an approved production capacity of 90,000 tons a year, according to local government documents.

The head of the coal mine and people in charge of production safety have been held by local authorities. Investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.