Coal mine toll rises to 6 in Guizhou

The five people trapped after a coal and gas outburst accident in Guizhou province, died, bringing the total casualty to six, according to a notice released on the city's government website on Tuesday.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, it said.

The accident happened at a coal mine under construction by Xinsheng Coal Mining Development Co Ltd in Guli township, Qianxi city, Guizhou, at 10:46 am on Sunday, the government said.

The city immediately launched an emergency response and rescue teams, including staff members from departments of emergency response, energy sources, health and mine rescue, have been sent to the sites for rescue work.