Society

NW China coal mine explosion kills 5

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-27 00:32

ZHONGNING, NINGXIA - Another three seriously injured miners were confirmed dead in hospital by local authorities, putting the total fatalities to five after an coal mine explosion that occurred early Saturday in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

The explosion happened at around 2:30 a.m. at Hongyuan Coal Mine at Shikong Town of Zhongning County. A total of 12 people were trapped underground, according to the regional coal mine safety supervision authorities.

Related readings:  11 trapped in coal mine explosion in NW China  Former mine safety official stands trial  Blast kills 47 in Henan coal mine  6 workers rescued from flooded coal mine in north China

The injured miners have been sent to local hospitals for treatment. Two miners were confirmed dead in hospital earlier.

According to Wang Jun, head of the county's health bureau, the other seven miners were under hospital treatment, including one severely injured who was receiving large volume of blood transfusion.

The main symptom for the seven miners was carbon monoxide poisoning, and their lives might still in danger, said Wang.

The township-owned coal mine has been ordered to suspend operation for a safety overhaul, according to the regional coal mine safety supervision authorities.

An initial investigation showed that the explosion was triggered by  burning explosives.