After a fatal gas blast occurred in the mine on early morning of July 4, 39 coal miners were trapped underground and only two bodies have so far been recovered.

According to Li Shuguo, mayor of Baishan city, Chen's absence made rescue work much more difficult and has caused great inconvenience.

Chen said he would now like to cooperate with the rescue teams to recover the trapped miners and will compensate their families.

Over 180 rescue workers have been searching for 37 miners trapped underground in the Fuqiang coal mine, where an explosion occurred at 2:12 am on Thursday.

The explosion, in northeast China's Jilin Province, has claimed two lives so far.

Rescue workers have been increased from 300 to nearly 500.

Primary underground investigation indicates that there was little chance of survival for the missing miners, according to a senior local official.

Operation in the pit passages has resumed since the electricity, drainage and transportation have been restored.

Urgent and effective measures have been taken to ensure the safety and efficiency of the rescue team.

(People?s Daily July 8, 2002)