Chinese media: 13 killed in coal mine explosion

Xinhua news reports 20 survived the blast in Henan province

Published December 8, 2010 12:42AM (EST)

Chinese state media say 13 miners have been killed in coal mine explosion in the central province of Henan.

The official Xinhua News Agency says another 20 miners survived the blast that struck Tuesday evening at a pit in Mianchi County.

Xinhua gave no indication of the cause of the blast. Most such accidents are blamed on a buildup of coal gas or methane that are then ignited by sparks or open flames.

China's coal mines are the world's deadliest, with thousands of miners killed every year. Officials have sought to improve safety, but massive demand for coal induces many producers to cut corners and sidestep regulations.


By Associated Press

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