The death toll from a coal mine accident in southwest China has rose to 21. Hundreds of rescuers are rushing to save 22 people still trapped underground.

The death toll from a coal mine accident in southwest China has rose to 21. Hundreds of rescuers are rushing to save 22 people still trapped underground.

The accident happened Thursday morning at the Sizhuang Coal Mine, located in Yunnan Province. A preliminary investigation shows that a gas leak occurred at one platform inside the shaft but gas later spread to another platform, trapping a total of 43 miners. Local officials said the private mine was operating without a license when the accident occurred.

The death toll from a coal mine accident in southwest China has rose to 21. Hundreds of rescuers are rushing to save 22 people still trapped underground.