Five killed in Shaanxi coal mine accident

XI'AN -- Five miners have been confirmed dead after being trapped in a coal mine accident Monday in Northwest China's Shaanxi province, local authorities said Tuesday.

The accident occurred at about 9:50 am on Monday at the Guantun coal mine of the Hualong Mining Co Ltd in the city of Yan'an, according to the government of Baota district.

Search and rescue efforts were immediately initiated after the accident happened.

A preliminary investigation by the rescuers showed the accident was caused by gas explosion.