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Coal, gas outburst leaves seven dead in central China
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-14 11:47

ZHENGZHOU -- Seven miners were found dead and two others trapped after a coal and gas outburst happened late Monday at a colliery owned by Hebi Coal Industry (Group) Corp. Ltd.in central China's Henan Province.

A corporate source said coal and gas leaked out at the No. 6 coalpit around 10:41 p.m. while 44 miners were working then.

Thirty-three miners escaped unhurt, but the remainder were trapped.

The conglomerate authorities immediately organized rescue operation shortly after the accident.

Two more miners were rescued early on Tuesday.

Rescue efforts are still going on and the cause of the accident is unknown for the moment.