Explosion is third major incident in two weeks involving scores of coal miners
An explosion tore through a mainland coal mine in the northern city of Tangshan yesterday afternoon, leaving at least 54 dead and 22 missing, the government said.
It was the third major incident in two weeks involving scores of miners in a massive blast, and underscored Beijing's battle with mine safety despite intensifying crackdowns on illegal operations.
Xinhua said last night that 186 miners were at the pit when the blast occurred at around 4.10pm. The news agency said 110 miners escaped.
The State Administration of Work Safety's director Li Yizhong and his deputy Wang Xianzheng along with 12 senior officials had also last night arrived at Tangshan's privately-operated Liuguantun mine to lead rescue operations.
The Kailuan Group, a state-owned coal mine enterprise 65km from the explosion site, sent two rescue teams. The Tangshan city government refused to comment or provide details of the explosion.
Mainland coal mines are the world's deadliest, with 6,027 people killed last year, official figures show.