NW China coal mine gas blast kills 24, trapped eight
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-04-30 09:05
As of 11:30 p.m. Saturday, the death toll of the coal mine gas blast in
Northwest Shaanxi Province rose to 24, while eight others are still trapped
underground.
The gas blast occurred at 4:50 p.m. Saturday in the Wayaobao Coal Mine,
located in the county of Zichang.
Local government source said 39 miners were working underground when the
blast occurred and only seven managed to escape.
The provincial government immediately organized the rescue operation and by
press time the rescuers have made three attempts in search of the trapped.
Four of the eight rescued miners were seriously injured in the blast and are
receiving treatment in a local hospital.
Shaanxi provincial government decided to hold an emergent meeting on Sunday
to urge all the coal mines in the province to strengthen the work safety.
Investigation into the cause of the blast is underway.
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