Six dead, 27 injured in coal mine explosion in southwest China

CHENGDU, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Six people were killed and 27 injured in a coal mine gas blast in southwest China's Sichuan Province Sunday, rescuers said.

Rescuers walk out of the mine shaft at Xinsheng coal mine in Rongxian County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 22, 2011. A coal mine gas blast occurred here on Sunday morning when 192 miners were working underground, causing six miners killed and 27 others injured. Investigation of the accident's cause is underway. (Xinhua)

Altogether 192 miners were working underground when the accident happened at the Xinsheng coal mine, run by Sichuan Hongxin mining co., Ltd., in Rongxian County at about 7:50 a.m.

While 186 miners escaped, six were trapped, said a spokesman of the rescue team at a press conference held Sunday night. The six bodies were removed from the shaft as of 9: 40 p.m.

Injured miners receive medical treatment at a hospital in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 23, 2011. A coal mine gas blast occurred at Xinsheng coal mine in Rongxian County on Sunday morning when 192 miners were working underground, causing six miners killed and 27 others injured. Investigation of the accident's cause is underway. (Xinhua)

The 27 injured miners were sent to No. 4 People's Hospital in the city of Zigong.

The Sichuan Electric Power Corp. has sent 95 workers to the mine to assist in rescue operations and ensure a steady supply of electricity to the area.

Police are investigating the accident.