A rescue headquarters spokesman confirmed 37 people were killed in a gas outburst at a coal mine in central China's Henan Province early on Sunday.

The accident happened at about 1:10 a.m.at Xinfeng No. 2 Coal Mine, southwest of Dengfeng City, when 108 workers were underground.

The spokesman said 64 people escaped and seven others were taken out of the pit safely.

Those injured were hospitalized.

The coal mine, belonging to Guangxian Industrial and Trade Co., Ltd., was undergoing a technical innovation. The people in charge of the company have been under control.

The city authorities ordered all coal mines that were under technical innovation to suspend operation for safety overhaul.

Investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2008)