The death toll from the hot pot restaurant explosion rose to 14 on early Saturday, with another 47 people injured. Photos Provided to China Daily

The injured receive treatment in hospitals and many are still in life-threatening conditions a day after the accident.

At least 32 people died in two separate accidents that happened within 24 hours in China as of Saturday evening.

Eighteen workers were killed after a gas and coal outburst in Xiangshui Coal Mine in Liupanshui city in Guizhou province on Saturday, according to the Emergency Management Office of Guizhou provincial government.

As of press time, five workers were rescued and sent to the hospital for treatment, with another five still missing, according to a statement released by the office. A total of 28 workers were trapped underground when the accident happened at 10:55 am, the statement said.

The cause of the accident is under investigation. Zhao Kezhi, governor of Guizhou, urged utmost effort to rescue the missing.

In a separate accident, 14 were killed and 47 others injured in an explosion at a hot pot restaurant as of 7 pm on Saturday in Shanxi province.

The accident, which happened in Shouyang county at about 8 pm on Friday, killed six people on the spot, while another eight died in hospital.

Initial investigation showed that the explosion was caused by gas leak, according to Xinhua News Agency.

According to witnesses, the explosion was so strong that it shattered the windows and twisted steel bars of shops more than 20 meters away from the restaurant.

The explosion happened on the first floor of the two-story hot pot restaurant, crowded with about 100 customers, and fierce fire spread to the second floor quickly, according to a report by China Central Television. The video footage showed the restaurant in ruins with shattered walls and ceilings.

"I was having dinner when suddenly I saw a burst of a fire ball opposite me," said Zhang Xiaoguang, a survivor who was receiving treatment in a local hospital after suffering slight injuries.

"Almost instinctively, I dodged and hid myself under the table. I heard a loud explosion. The whole room was in a mess and I jumped out of the window of the second floor. I saw people struggling to jump and some put their head out of the window as the intense heat made it difficult to breathe."

Yuan Heping, who also suffered slight burn injuries, said the explosion happened very suddenly.

"I was having dinner with my friends on the second floor and suddenly there was a loud explosion and I was pushed backward by an intense heat wave. The room was wrapped in thick smoke. I quickly took off my sweater to cover my mouth and jumped off the window," he recalled.

The State Administration of Work Safety has urged the local authorities for all-out rescue effort and a thorough investigation.

Hot pot is a kind of stew using a metal pot that is kept simmering by charcoal, electricity or gas. It is popular during winter in many areas in China.

(China Daily 11/25/2012 page1)