Mine explosion kills 19
23 March 2007
The death toll for a coal mine explosion in northern China has reached 19, with two miners still missing and presumed dead. The explosion, which happened on Sunday in Shanxi province's Jincheng city, was not reported initially by the mine owner, AP reported. Police arrested 11 people, including the mine owner, in connection with the blast. China's coal mines are the world's deadliest, with numerous fires, floods and other disasters every year despite repeated official promises to improve safety.