The news agency Xinhua confirmed the number of fatalities after rescuers found the bodies of three missing miners, Reuters reported.

Six others were injured in the blast.

The explosion took place on Thursday morning local time when 41 miners were working in the mine.

Fourteen people escaped after the blast.

China’s mines are among the most dangerous in the world with illegal mines in operation to capitalise on high coal prices.

Official figures show that mine accidents killed 3786 Chinese coal miners last year, down 20% from 2006.

Independent industry monitors believe the true figures to be much higher.

An investigation into the blast is underway.