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Rescuers say they will continue to search for the missing “as long as there is hope”. Chinese authorities have been trying to enforce new mining regulations and safety principles as deaths continue due to illegal activities [Xinhua]
China’s state-owned news agency Xinhua reported that the blast happened at a privately-owned coal mine at around 11:00 am local time.
Hundreds of rescue workers, including firefighters, police and rescue specialists have been dispatched to the site to locate and save the missing miners.
This is the latest mining disaster in the world’s largest coal-producing country.
Last month, a similar blast killed 18 people in the Northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Officials blamed illegal mining for the incident.
Chinese authorities have lately been clamping down on small mining companies in a bid to route out illegal practice and upgrade safety precautions.
Chongqing’s Deputy Mayor Ma Huaping told local media that rescue operations would go on until all missing miners were accounted for.
