28 killed in Sichuan colliery accident

Death toll from a colliery blast on Saturday in southwest China's Sichuan province rose to 28. [newssc.org]

The death toll from a colliery accident in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Saturday has risen to 28 after an injured miner died after rescue efforts failed, local authorities said on Sunday.

A total of 108 miners were working underground when a gas accident happened around 2 p.m. in Taozigou coal mine, Luxian County in the city of Luzhou, sources with the provincial work safety bureau said.

By late Saturday night, rescuers had saved 81 miners, while 27 others were confirmed dead.

Rescue efforts ended around midnight Saturday. A further investigation into the accident is underway.