Chinese Coal Mine Explosion, 20 Dead

Beijing - Again mine accidents in China. At least 20 workers were killed in the blast which occurred in a mine. As many as 23 others are still trapped underground.

The mine has experienced an explosion of gas and coal. According to media China News Service (CNS), 20 people were confirmed killed in the incident. While efforts to rescue workers trapped in the mine continues to be done. But the effort was hampered by the presence of gas leaks.


"18 rescue workers down to the coal mines, but the high levels of gas can cause explosions, making it difficult for rescue," said Tan Xiaopeng, head of the local fire units to the CNS as reported by AFP on Thursday (11/10/2011).

Events that occur in the area of ​​Coal Mining Sizhuang came just days after the explosion at a coal mine in Hennan. In that incident, dozens of workers trapped underground. Most eventually was successfully removed after a rescue operation that lasted 40 hours. But 10 people were killed.

Accidents in coal mines is a thing that often happens in China. Last year, according to official Chinese government data, a total of 2433 people died in coal mine accidents in the country.

But according to labor rights groups, the death toll could be much higher. Why, many incidents go unreported because the mining bosses will try to suppress their economic losses and avoid punishment.