Death toll in mine accident climbs to 10

YANAN - The death toll in a coal mine accident in Northwest China's Shaanxi province has risen to 10 with three still missing, local authorities said Friday.

Rescuers retrieved three more bodies early Friday from a coal mine where a pipeline collapse trapped 11 workers Wednesday morning, the search and rescue headquarters said in a press release.

The coal mine, owned by China National Coal Group Corp. in Yulin City of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, was still under construction when the accident happened at around 11 am Wednesday.

Thirty-seven workers were in the shaft when a major cement pipeline detached, the document said.

Of the 26 people who were brought out shortly after the accident, two were confirmed dead and 16 were taken to hospital, including six with serious injuries.

As of midday Friday, rescuers were still searching for the three missing workers, though chances of finding anyone alive are slim.

An investigation into the accident is under way.