China coal mine explosion traps 16

A gas explosion in a Chinese mine has trapped 16 people underground, the official Xinhua news agency said yesterday, the latest accident to hit the world's deadliest mining industry.

Two escaped after the explosion in a mine which local officials had previously ordered to suspend production until it raised safety standards, Xinhua said.

The mine is located in Zhongyang township in Shanxi province, one of China's top coal-producing areas.

Emergency workers were trying to rescue the trapped men and top mine safety officials and the deputy provincial governor had rushed to the site, Xinhua said.

More than 2,700 people were killed in floods, explosions, tunnel collapses or other mining accidents in the first half of this year, and the government recently ordered around 7,000 mines to halt production in order to improve safety.

China's booming economy relies on coal for about three-quarters of its energy needs, and mines often evade safety regulations to meet demand booming demand.