From Reuters today: “A gas explosion in a crowded coal mine in central China has killed at least 56 people and left scores missing, the Xinhua news agency said on Thursday.
And in the southwest, six miners died from a gas leak in a grim reminder that the world’s biggest mining industry is also the most dangerous, with thousands of people killed in explosions, floods and other mishaps every year.
The explosion occurred on Wednesday night at the Daping mine, part of the Zhengmei Group, in Xinmi in Henan province. ”
Later, AFP reported that the final death toll is likely to rise from 56 to 148, as those still trapped have little chance of survival.