Death toll rises to 42 in China mining accident
Posted: 21 November 2009 1051 hrs

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BEIJING : The death toll in an explosion at a coal mine in northeast China early Saturday rose to at least 42 workers, state news agency Xinhua said, citing emergency services.

A further 66 were trapped and first-aid workers were searching for them, according to the agency, in the latest deadly incident to hit the industry.

State-run China Central Television (CCTV) had earlier put the toll at 31 with 82 trapped underground.

The blast happened at 2:30 am (1830 GMT Friday) at a mine in Heilongjiang province, according to a statement issued by the State Administration of Work Safety.

A total of 528 miners were working in the pit, near Hegang City, when the blast occurred, the state administration said.

Xinhua, citing medical sources, said 29 people had been taken to hospital, six of whom were in a serious condition.

- AFP/vm