Society

7 killed in coal mine accident in SW China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-18 09:56

KUNMING - Seven people were killed in a coal and gas outburst at a mine shaft Tuesday night in the county of Weixin, Southwest China's Yunnan province, authorities said Wednesday.

The accident occurred at 8:30 pm Tuesday when 20 miners were working at a shaft of Nanfeng Coal Mine in Luobu township. Thirteen of them managed to escape, said a spokesman with the county government.

By 7 am Wednesday, all bodies had been identified, and relevant managers of the mine has been in police custody, according to the spokesman.

The cause of the accident is under further investigation.