21 Killed In China Coal Mine Gas Poisoning Accident

Beijing, China (AHN) - At least 21 workers are known dead, so far, from carbon monoxide gas poisoning at a coal mine in northern China.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning in China's coal-rich northern Shanxi province as the victims were poisoned by carbon monoxide at around 11:20 a.m. local time at a coal mine in Nanjiao District.

According to the local authorities on Sunday, seven miners managed to escape from the Wujiu mine, while four were rescued.

The state media said the rescuers are still searching for more survivors as the number of miners at work when the accident occurred was not known.

Initial investigations have revealed that accident may have been caused by a gas explosion or a spontaneous ignition in the coal mine, Xinhua news agency said.

The latest incident is one in the series instances reported in the past where several workers have been trapped and killed in coal mines.

The Chinese authorities have recently taken steps to improve safety conditions and standards for the people working in dangerous places like coal mines.

But in most cases, due to the widespread corruption in the country, harsh penalties are not implemented on the owners of the production industry in China.

The reports said around 3,800 people have been killed in coal mine related mishaps in 2007 due to inadequate safety measures.