19 Dead, 2 Missing After Coal Mine Collapse in Shaanxi

Nineteen coal miners are dead after a roof collapse occurred at a mine in Shaanxi province yesterday at around 4.30pm, according to a Xinhua report published early this morning. Local authorities have stated that two miners remain trapped in the mine as a result of the collapse. 

The mining disaster occurred at the Lijiagou Mine, which is owned by the Baiji Mining Co., Ltd. in the county-level city of Shenmu, located roughly a seven-hour drive from the Shaanxi provincial capital of Xi’an.

Sixty-six of the 87 miners working underground at the time of the incident have been safely evacuated from the mine. The search continues for the two workers trapped underground. 

Initial reports indicated that 20 miners were trapped inside the mine, although Chinese media is now reporting 19 dead and two missing.

The cause of the tragedy is currently being investigated. 

PHOTOS: The Underground Mines of Hunan Province

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