South China Coal mine blast kills five, injures 15
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-07-21 14:40

Five people were killed and 15 others injured in a coal mine blast in southwest China's Sichuan Province Tuesday, according to local sources.

The accident happened at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Baiguowan Coal Mine of Yingjing County, Ya'an City.

The accident may have been caused by a combination of poor ventilation causing the accumulation of gases and misuse of electrical equipment, said the rescue team.

The local government officials have rushed to the mine to guide rescue work. The injured people, including three rescuers, have been hospitalized.

More details are not available and further investigation is underway.