The death toll in the coal mine explosion in Jiexiu City in north China's Shanxi Province on Monday had increased to 26 by 8 pm Tuesday, according to the rescue team. 

Two others were still trapped underground.

The explosion occurred Monday morning in the Jinshanpo coal mine while thirty-two miners were working underground. Four escaped successfully. 

The owner of the coal mine did not have government permission for production, according to the Shanxi Provincial Administration for Safety in Production.

Provincial leaders have rushed to the scene to guide the rescue work. Rescuers are continuing to search for the missing miners.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2004)