19 dead in Yunnan mine flood

Rescuers race against time on Monday to pump water from a flooded coal mine in Qujing, Yunnan province, where 22 miners were trapped underground.  [Photo/Xinhua]

KUNMING -- The death toll from a mine flood in southwest China's Yunnan province rose to 19 on Friday as rescuers found 14 more bodies, with three others still missing.

The accident that happened at 4:50 am on April 7 at the Xiahaizi coal mine in Qujing City trapped 22 miners underground, while four others were rescued, according to the rescue headquarters.

Investigators believe the flooding was caused by an explosion.

Previously, rescuers retrieved four bodies on Thursday and one on Wednesday, when onsite searching started.

Narrow underground spaces and the complicated layout of the mine have hampered the search efforts.

Rescuers are continuing to search for the other three miners.

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22 miners trapped in Yunnan coal mine flood