By yesterday, the death toll at the Pingyu No.4 coal mine accident, which occurred on Saturday morning, was 26 with grim hopes for the 11 missing workers.
The disaster was triggered by a “sudden coal and gas outburst”, according to Chinese officials and about 239 people escaped.
Rescue operations are hampered by fallen coal and debris plus gas levels which are 40 times higher than normal, according to Chinese media reports.
China is well-known for its deep and gassy coal mines but stricter safety regimes are saving lives.
Last year 2361 miners were killed in the Chinese coal industry, compared with predictions just four years ago that around 6000 miners would die annually.
