CHONGQING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- A total of 23 coal miners were trapped underground in a coal mine in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Friday due to excessive levels of carbon monoxide, local authorities said.
The accident happened at approximately 5 p.m. on Friday at the Diaoshuidong coal mine, a high gas mine, in the district of Yongchuan.
Rescuers, including police officers and firefighters, are racing against the clock to reach the trapped miners. The cause of the accident is under further investigation.
The Diaoshuidong coal mine, which was established in 1975 and became privately-owned in 1998, has an annual production capacity of 120,000 tonnes, according to the local emergency management department.
Hydrogen sulfide poisoning in the mine left three dead and two injured in March 2013. Enditem
