Coal Mine Blast Kills 15 In China, 3 Rescuers Die

December 1, 2008 5:43 a.m. EST

Beijing, China (AHN) - At least 15 miners were killed and another three rescuers later died, when a powerful explosion ripped through a coal mine in China far northeast, authorities reported Monday.

Rescuers said 10 other miners escaped the explosion which ripped through the Changlong mine in Qitaihe, in Heilongjiang.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion but added Changlong mine was operating legally.

Over 100 rescuers rushed to Changlong mines, which produces at least 40,000,000 kilograms of coal per year, but three of the rescuers died during a cave-in on Monday.

China's mining industry is one of the deadliest in the world, claiming thousands of miners lives every year, although authorities have been trying to improve conditions in the industry by shutting down small and illegal operations.

Since January to October this year, at least 2,690 miners have died in China due to explosions, gas leaks, flooding and cave-ins. The figure was down 13 percent from last year's casualties, the State Administration of Work Safety said.