A gas explosion at a coal mine in Southwest China Wednesday afternoon killed 19 miners and trapped dozens more, Xinuha reported.

About 107 miners were rescued though 28 remain missing, local headquarters said.

Reports indicate that 154 miners were working underground at the Xiaojiawan Coal Mine when the blast occurred. Professional rescue teams were pressed into service as injured were rushed to hospitals.

Chinese mines are classified among the most dangerous owing to poor safety standards and heavy demand from a robust economy.

The coal mine is owned by Zhengin Industry and Trade Co. Ltd, Xinuha stated adding, preliminary investigations into the incident were on.

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