Society

16 killed, over 300 rescued after gole mine fire

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-08-07 13:16

Rescuers lifted the last group of seven miners to the ground Saturday noon at an eastern China's gold mine where an underground blaze killed at least 16 and initially trapped more than 300.

Earlier report said a total of 329 miners were working underground when the fire broke out Friday afternoon at the Luoshan Gold Mine run by Lingnan Mining Co. Ltd. in Zhaoyuan city.

An initial investigation showed that the fire was likely caused by an underground cable. Police were further investigating the incident.

The mine owner had been taken into police custody, according to authorities.