The chances of saving the more than 100 trapped coal miners were "extremely slight," a safety official said yesterday, as rescuers pumped out noxious fumes after a gas explosion in northern China.
With the discovery of more than 20 bodies late yesterday, the death toll of Sunday's gas explosion at the Chenjiashan Coal Mine in Shaanxi Province rose to about 50.
Early rescue efforts following the blast were blocked by high levels of carbon monoxide and thick smoke in the mine.
The mine's damaged ventilation system was repaired by mid-afternoon yesterday, but it wasn't clear when it would be declared safe for rescuers to enter.
China youth Daily reported that some miners had refused to return to work after a fire broke out at the site on November 22, but mine officials were eager to boost production and threatened to fine or suspend absentees.
An official at the Shaanxi coal mine safety bureau said hope was fading fast for the trapped miners.
"The rescue effort has been extremely difficult," said the official, who would give only his surname, Chen. "From my own experience, the odds that the miners still underground remain alive are extremely slight."
Some 127 workers managed to escape the state-owned mine. Forty-three were hospitalized, 15 with serious injuries. Most of the injured are out of danger, except that a severely injured is still in a critical condition.
There were 293 miners working underground when the gas explosion ripped through coalpits some 8,000 meters away from the entrance.
Those who escaped the gas explosion were mainly workers near the entrance.
One rescued miner who was working 1,500 meters underground said he was knocked down by the strong airflow caused by the explosion.
Twelve emergency teams with 96 members each have taken part in the rescue operation, and the provincial government has ordered all mines with high gas concentrations to cease operations for safety examinations.
Zhao tiechui, deputy head of the State Production Safety Bureau and a member of the State Council work group, went to the scene to guide the rescue work. He directed that efforts be focused on an area where 111 workers are trapped, "though no efforts will be spared at the other site."
The chenjiashan Coal Mine is capable of producing 2.3 million tons of coal a year. A gas explosion killed 38 at the mine in April 2001.
Mine explosions can occur when large amounts of flammable gas accumulate in the underground shafts.
The state Council work group, which rushed to the mine last night, has urged the greatest possible efforts to rescue the trapped miners, ensure the safety of rescuers and provide proper care for the relatives of the victims.
A state Council investigation team will be set up to study the cause of the explosion, according to You Quan, head of the State Council work group.
The work group also promised to give accurate information about the rescue operation in a timely manner.                                             (AP/Xinhua)