At least 31 people have been confirmed dead and nine others missing in a coal mine gas outburst in central China's Henan Province early on Sunday.

A local government spokesman said coal and gas erupted at about 1:40 a.m. at Xinfeng No. 2 Coal Mine, southwest of Dengfeng City.

There were 108 people underground when the accident occurred and 68 of them escaped.

Rescue efforts are underway.

The coal mine is a private one.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2008)