Over 20 workers missing after coal mine blast in China

An explosion on Tuesday in a coal mine in eastern China trapped 29 workers underground, state media reported. About 30 rescuers were trying to reach those trapped in the private mine in Huainan city in Anhui province but were awaiting the arrival of heavy rescue equipment, China Central Television said. Ten other miners managed to escape, one of whom was injured.

CCTV said the government had ordered the mine shut down twice in June, but it had continued operating. Most of the trapped miners were in their 40s, it said. China has some of the world’s deadliest mines, but they are getting safer with stricter work safety enforcement.