Death toll in Yunnan mine flood rises to 19

Rescuers race against time to pump water from a flooded coal mine on April 7, 2014 in Qujing, Yunnan province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The death toll from a mine flood in southwest China's Yunnan province rose to 19 on Friday as rescuers found 14 more bodies, with three others still missing.

The accident that happened at 4:50am on April 7 at the Xiahaizi coal mine in Qujing City trapped 22 miners underground, while four others were rescued, according to the rescue headquarters.

Investigators believe the flooding was caused by an explosion.

Previously, rescuers retrieved four bodies on Thursday and one on Wednesday, when onsite searching started.

Narrow underground spaces and the complicated layout of the mine have hampered the search efforts.

Rescuers are continuing to search for the other three miners.