Eleven trapped in illegal China coal mine
- 12 years ago
Heading into the unknown - these rescuers in northern China prepare to go into an illegal coal mine to reach 11 people trapped underground.
Chinese state television reported the workers were trapped after a fire broke out in the mine on Saturday, triggering the collapse of a roof.
No contact has been made with the miners since Monday morning.
Local officials say they ordered the mine to stop production earlier this month, a day after its licence expired - but it had continued to operate illegally.
China has the world's deadliest coal mining industry with scores killed every year as safety rules are ignored.
Chinese state television reported the workers were trapped after a fire broke out in the mine on Saturday, triggering the collapse of a roof.
No contact has been made with the miners since Monday morning.
Local officials say they ordered the mine to stop production earlier this month, a day after its licence expired - but it had continued to operate illegally.
China has the world's deadliest coal mining industry with scores killed every year as safety rules are ignored.