SHIJIAZHUANG -- Eight people were trapped in an iron mine flooding in north China's Hebei Province Saturday night, according to local government sources.

The accident occurred at 9:50 p.m. at the north mining area of Xishimen iron mine in Wu'an city, and 26,000 cubic meters of water flowed into the mine in 20 minutes. When the accident took place, 22 miners were working below ground, and 14 people managed to escape.

Rescuers rushed to the site and started to pump water. Rescue operation is continuing.

The iron mine belongs to China Minmetals Corp.