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Gas explosion traps China miners Deadly blast traps China miners
(10 minutes later)
Nearly 100 miners have been trapped underground after a gas explosion in a coal mine, Chinese state media reports. At least 11 miners have died and 96 remain trapped underground after a gas explosion in a coal mine, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reports.
The blast at the mine in Gujiao City, in Shanxi province, occurred before dawn when 436 miners were underground, Xinhua news agency said. The blast at the mine in Gujiao City, in Shanxi province, occurred before dawn when 436 miners were underground.
Initial reports suggested that 340 miners had managed to escape but 96 remained trapped underground. The mine belongs to Shanxi Jiaomei Group. Xinhua said 340 miners had managed to escape, but 11 had died in hospital and another 24 were badly hurt. The mine belongs to Shanxi Jiaomei Group.
China's mining industry is the world's deadliest, with 3,200 deaths last year.China's mining industry is the world's deadliest, with 3,200 deaths last year.
However, China has said safety is improving, with the number of fatalities from coal mining accidents falling 15% in 2008 compared with the previous year.However, China has said safety is improving, with the number of fatalities from coal mining accidents falling 15% in 2008 compared with the previous year.
Xinhua also reported that the number of accidents had fallen by 19% to 413,700 last year.Xinhua also reported that the number of accidents had fallen by 19% to 413,700 last year.
The Shanxi Jiaomei Group is China's largest producer of coking coal and operates 28 mines, according to the Associated Press news agency.