Seven Chinese miners killed in gas burst

Beijing, July 8 (IANS) A sudden burst of gas inside a coal mine in China's central province of Hunan killed at least seven miners Sunday, officials said.

A total of 39 miners managed to escape after the accident at the Xiangzhong coal mine in Lianyuan city, Xinhua reported.

Workers engaged in drilling work triggered the gas burst, a probe showed.

The coal mine has an annual production capacity of 60,000 tonnes.

Meanwhile, in another mine accident in the province, three miners were brought out after being trapped for three days under a flooded colliery pit.

Eleven of 16 trapped miners in Qielichong colliery in Leiyang city have been confirmed alive.

The colliery was flooded Wednesday evening when 40 miners were working underground. At least 24 managed to escape.