33 miners in China mine explosion found dead

World Today

Photo taken on Nov. 1, 2016 shows the entrance to a pit at Jinshangou Coal Mine in Yongchuan District of Chongqing, southwest China. Rescuers are working around the clock to search for 20 miners who have remained trapped in a colliery in Chongqing for nearly 24 hours following a gas explosion. Thirteen miners have been confirmed dead. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

All 33 coal miners trapped underground in a gas explosion earlier this week have been found dead, Chinese media reported.

Two miners survived Monday’s explosion but rescuers working around the clock found no others alive. All bodies have been recovered and rescuers were shown bowing their heads in memorial for the dead.

Gas explosions inside mines are often caused when a flame or electrical spark ignites gas leaking from the coal seam. Ventilation systems are supposed to prevent gas from becoming trapped.

The State Administration of Work Safety ordered an investigation, saying those responsible must be strictly punished. Local officials in Chongqing also ordered smaller mines to shut down temporarily.

Story by the Associated Press