Official says at least 152 people are trapped after coal mine flood in northern China

152 trapped in coal mine flood in northern China

BEIJING — An official says at least 152 people are trapped after a coal mine flood in northern China.

A duty officer at the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety says the Wangjialing coal mine in Shanxi province was flooded Sunday when 261 miners were working in the pit.

The man who refused to give his name says 109 of the miners escaped but the others remain trapped and rescue work is continuing. He says the cause of the flood is still under investigation.

Although China’s mine safety record has improved in recent years, it is still the deadliest in the world, with blasts and other accidents common.