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Death toll rises to 17 in SW China coal mine accident

Xinhua, October 5, 2011

• One more body was retrieved Wednesday morning after a coal and gas outburst hit a coal mine, bringing the death toll to 17, said rescuers.

  Eleven others were saved and under medical treatment, a spokesman with the rescue headquarters said. But it is not known yet if they are in critical condition.

  The accident occurred at 7:53 a.m. Tuesday at the Anping Coal Mine, which is located in the Lihua Township in the county of Libo. At that time, 28 miners were working in the shaft. Thirteen managed to escape, and among them, three died later in hospital after treatment failed.

  An investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.

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