42 dead in Chinese mine explosion

In one of the deadliest incidents in a mine, the blast occurred at Xinxing mine in Heilongjiang province at 2:30 am, trapping 118 workers.

State-run Xinhua news agency said a total of 528 miners were working in the mine at the time of the explosion, but 390 people managed to escape.

With the recovery of more bodies, the toll jumped up to 42, and officials quoted by Xinhua said the figure could rise further in the mine located close to the border with Russia.

It said 42 people died on the spot while others were trapped in the mine, which is one-thirds underground.  The explosion caused by a gas build-up, cut off ventilation and communication links with workers.