Two bodies retrieved in E China coal mine blast

Two bodies have been retrieved while another 25 people remain missing after a blast in a coal mine in east China's Anhui Province early Tuesday, the rescue headquarters said on Wednesday.

The bodies of the two victims including a driver of a belt conveyor, were found 395 meters and 504 meters below ground. They were lifted out of the mine at 3:02 am and 3:15 am respectively, according to the headquarters.

Searching for another 25 people is underway.

The accident occurred at 3:58 am in the Dongfang Coal Mine in Xiejiaji District of Huainan City, when 39 miners were in the underground shaft.

Twelve workers were lifted out of the mine after the blast. One of them was hospitalized after suffering burns.

The licensed mine is privately owned and has an annual capacity of 90,000 tonnes.

The Huainan municipal government ordered all coal mines to suspend production on June 30 and July 1 due to the flood season, but the mine did not obey the order.

The cause of the accident is being investigated.