7 killed, 4 trapped in mine gas outburst

The death toll in a coal and gas outburst at a colliery in east China's Jiangxi Province has risen to seven, and chance of life for four trapped is slim, rescuers said Tuesday.

The rescuers on Tuesday morning retrieved three bodies from the mine owned by Jiangxi Coal Group Corporation in Qujiang County of Fengcheng City.

The accident occurred at around 5:45 a.m. Monday when miners were working 868 meters underground. Four miners were killed on the spot.

The rescuers said the gas density remained high and the chance of survival is very slim.

The parent company has asked the mine in Qujiang to suspend production for a thorough overhaul.