(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-31 14:59

At least 12 miners went missing after an explosion occurred in a colliery in Central China's Henan Province on Friday.

The blast ripped through the Shunli Coal Mine in Baofeng County of Pingdingshan City at about 8:50 am when the miners were repairing the shaft, according to initial investigation.

Rescuers and police officers are struggling to get into the pit after clearing up the entrance.

The mine, with a legal business license, has been under technological renovation this year in accordance with the government's order to improve production safety.

No more details are available so far.