Nine miners were confirmed dead up to 12:30 AM Sunday in the five iron mines that caught fire Saturday morning in the city of Shahe in north China's Hebei Province, while 39 were rescued and 58 still trapped.  

According to preliminary investigation, the fire broke out due to electronic cable self-ignition in one iron mine in Baita township, privately run by Li Shengwen and others, at approximately 10:30 AM Saturday morning.

The fire spread quickly to four other nearby iron mines because the five mines were communicated with each other. Heavy smog soon trapped 106 miners.

Rescue work was organized immediately, and 175 rescuers in 15 teams managed to save 39 miners up to 12:30 AM Sunday. Premier Wen Jiabao has urged to save the lives of miners at any cost.

Six smog-expelling machines have been installed and eight ventilation experts have rushed to the spot. All rescued miners have been hospitalized.

Local public security bureau has caught the bosses of the mines and frozen their bank accounts.

(Xinhua News Agency, China.org.cn November 21, 2004)