The first explosion occurred on Friday night at the Dashan mine in Guizhou province. Thirty people were in the mine at the time of the explosion, according to state news agency Xinhua.

The blast killed 12 people and left two injured.

The mine has been closed and an investigation is underway.

Less than 24 hours later, on Saturday at 2pm local time, another gas explosion occurred at the Taozigou mine in Sichuan province.

Xinhua reported that 28 people were killed and 18 injured.

Of the 108 miners underground when the explosion occurred, 81 were rescued.

Rescue efforts ended about midnight Saturday. An investigation into the accident is underway.

The State Administration of Work Safety has ordered all coal mines in the province to suspend operation for a comprehensive overhaul and thorough checks, according to Xinhua, which later reported that illegal mining activities, high gas density and a lack of ventilation were being blamed for the gas blast.

SAWS director Yang Dongliang said all licenses for the Taozigou coal mine must be revoked and the site would be shut down permanently.