Mining mishaps claim 56

Two mine accidents in central and northeastern China killed at least 56 people and left another 12 missing over the weekend.

Thirty-seven miners died in a gas explosion early yesterday at a private mine near Dengfeng, Henan province, Xinhua News Agency reported yesterday.

A local government official said 108 people were underground when the accident happened at 1:10 am at Xinfeng No 2 Coalmine, and 64 escaped. Another seven were rescued later and received medical treatment in hospital.