2 killed, 3 trapped in China coal mine accident

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-19 15:05

HEFEI - Two workers were killed and three others remain trapped after a pocket of gas burst at a coal mine in east China's Anhui Province Friday, according to the local industry regulator.

It happened at the Beichen Coal Mine in Huaibei City at about 3:30 a.m., when nine people were working underground.

Four people managed to escape.

Rescuers found two bodies in the pit around 7 a.m., according to the rescue operation headquarters.

The search for the remaining three trapped miners continues.

The city ordered all collectively-owned and private collieries to suspend production on Friday until they pass work safety overhauls. State-owned mines must also carry out safety inspections to prevent similar accidents.

The mine belongs to Zaozhuang Mining Group based in the neighboring Shandong Province. The group reported a blast in one of its coal mines in Zaozhuang City that left 18 dead in February 2006.