Official news agency Xinhua said the explosion occurred at 4.20pm local time at the 30,000 tonne per annum Wayaobao Township Coal Mine in Zichang County in the country’s coal-rich Shaanxi Province.

Thirty-nine miners were working underground at the time, with seven managing to escape straight after the explosion.

Police have detained the coal mine owner and managerial staff, Xinhua reported.

Rescue efforts are ongoing.