Rescuers prepare to enter the accident site in the Dongfang Coal Mine in Xiejiaji District of Huainan city, east China's Anhui province, Aug 22, 2014. (Xinhua/Zhang Duan)
Chances of survivalare slim for 24 miners trapped in a colliery in east China's Anhui Province six days after a blast, local rescuers said on Sunday.
"High temperatures and the shock wave from the blast could havehurt the miners," said Zhou Dechang, an official with theprovincial administrative bureau of work safety.
"The high density of carbon monoxide poses another threat," hecontinued. "The density is so high that only a few breaths could befatal."
Given that the trapped miners have been out of touch for sixdays, Zhou believes their chances were slim.
The accident happened in the early hours at Dongfang coal minein Xiejiaji District of Huainan City, when 39 miners were in theunderground shaft more than 500 meters deep.
Twelve workers were lifted out of the mine after the blast. Oneof them was hospitalized with burns.
Rescuers have retrieved three bodies so far.
The mine is privately owned and has an annual capacity of 90,000tonnes. Mining in unsafe, unapproved areas and use of obsoletetechnology were blamed to cause the accident.
