Hopes fade for 21 missing after
China's deadliest coalmine explosion in nearly two yearsHundreds of rescuers in northern China are battling to reach 21 miners trapped after a huge gas explosion early yesterday killed at least 87 of their colleagues.But the prospects of finding more survivors of the deadliest blast in almost two years are rapidly diminishing. The workers are thought to be about a third of a mile underground in the pit in Heilongjiang province, near the Russian border.China's mining industry is the deadliest in the world, with more than 3,000 workers killed last year despite a massive safety drive that has slashed fatalities.The campaign has focused on closing small, often illegal, private mines, but the Xinxing mine, scene of yesterday's blast, is state owned and produces more than a million tonnes of coal a year.The explosion destroyed a nearby building and reportedly blew out windows in nearby Hegang city. Television footage showed smoke billowing from the mine.One survivor, Wang Xingang, told state news agency Xinhua he blast briefly knocked him out. "When I regained consciousness, I groped my way out in the dark and called for help," the 27-year-old electrician added.Officials said 528 people were working in the mine when the blast occurred at 2.30am and 420 escaped. The death toll doubled overnight.Zhang Fucheng, an official heading rescue efforts, told state broadcaster CCTV that dense gas and collapsed tunnels were holding up attempts to reach the 21 miners. The blast reportedly crippled the ventilation and communication systems.More than 240 rescuers have entered the shaft, with at least 300 others assisting, state media reported. The teams are working in extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to -10C (14F) overnight.A provincial news website, citing miners, alleged that safety staff knew gas had reached dangerous levels and were rushing to evacuate the pit when the blast erupted 500 metres below ground.But Zhang Jinguang, spokesman f ...
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