SW China mine accident kills 3, traps 6

WANYUAN, Sichuan - Three people have died while six others remain trapped underground two days after a gas burst hit a colliery in Southwest China.

Bodies of three deceased miners were lifted out of the Yongsheng coal mine in Wanyuan city of Sichuan province on Tuesday morning.

Two miners had been rescued at around 2:30 am. Both miners were conscious and able to talk when they were lifted out, though they showed symptoms of some carbon monoxide poisoning.

The rescuers are continuing their efforts to search for the other six trapped miners.

A total of 24 people were working underground when coal and gas burst occurred at the mine around Sunday noon. Thirteen miners were lifted out shortly after the accident, and five of them were injured, including two poisoned by gas.

Meanwhile, the Wanyuan government has started accountability procedures and several major officials with the city's work safety and production supervision authorities have been suspended from their posts.

The owners of the mine are in the custody of police.

The Wanyuan government has ordered an overhaul of the city's coal mines and all production has been suspended for safety check-out.