The coal mine explosion early Monday in Henan province has caused concern in the CPC central committee, as President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao responded immediately, dahe.cn reported.
Governor Guo Gengmao, executive vice governor Li Ke, vice governor Shi Jichun and other officials reached the scene to help guide the rescue work.
The municipal government of Pingdingshan confirmed that of the 72 miners trapped, 26 miners had been saved but the other 46 were killed.