12 miners trapped in coal mine accident in Guizhou
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-12-25 20:35

Twelve miners working underground were trapped due to a coal mine fire in southwest China's Guizhou Province, and their fate remain unknown, local authorities said Sunday.

The fire broke out at about 11:20 p.m. Saturday at the Xiangshui Coal Mine located at the Panxian County of Liupanshui City, according to the Guizhou Provincial Coal Mine Safety Bureau.

Firemen have been rushed to the scene for rescue operation.

The fire is keeping pouring out of the mine shaft with a blaze of six meter above the mouth to the shaft, which kept men at the shortest distance of 20 meters, rescuers said.

Experts are studying how to put out the fire.

The coal mine, with an output capacity of 4 million tons a year,is affiliated with the Pannan Power Plant in the county.

The cause of the tradety is under investigation.