Eight miners, including a woman, were trapped in an iron mine collapse on Saturday in east China's Anhui Province, the emergency rescue headquarters said on Sunday.

When the accident occurred at 4:50 AM Saturday at Dalongshan Iron Mine in Dalongshan Township in Anqing City, rocks, dust and water suddenly capped the ventilation hole and the exit, making it impossible for the miners to escape.

Investigators say the miners might stay at a place about 130 meters underground. It is not sure whether they are alive or not.

Rescuers have to pump water out of the shaft and clean out siltage before they get in.

The city government has ordered all local mines halt production for a safety overhaul.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2006)