The death toll from a flooded coal mine in southwest China has risen to 20 with the recovery of another 14 bodies nearly two weeks after the accident, state media reported.
Mining accidents are common in China, the world’s largest consumer of coal, where mine operators often skirt safety regulations.
The Xiahaizi mine in Yunnan province suddenly filled with water early on April 7 following an explosion, leaving 22 miners trapped.
Two miners remain missing following the recovery of a total of 20 bodies so far, Xinhua news agency said late Friday.
The complicated layout of the mine and its narrow tunnels have made the search difficult, it added.
Police have detained seven people linked to the mine in Qujing city, including officials and shareholders of operator Li Ming Industrial Co., the report said.