Four people were missing in a manganese mine gas outburst Sunday in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, local authorities said.

A miner was missing after going to the mine to pump water without approval Sunday morning in Chengkou County. Three co-workers searching for him in the mine could not be reached.

The mine had suspended operation for more than 10 days, officials said.

The local government sent rescuers, doctors and police to the scene after being informed at 8 p.m. The rescue was underway.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2009)