Three dead after coal mine tunnel collapse in China’s Shaanxi province

All three workers trapped in a coal mine tunnel collapse in northwest China have been found dead, local emergency authorities confirmed early on September 27.

The accident occurred on September 25 in Zhenping County, part of Ankang city in Shaanxi Province, when part of an underground tunnel gave way. Eight workers had been carrying out rectification work at the site when the collapse happened; five managed to escape, Caliber.Az reports per Chinese media.

Rescue teams located the three missing miners in the early hours of September 27, but medical workers said they showed no signs of life.

The mine, originally built in 1998, has been undergoing rectification since March this year due to safety concerns. Officials estimate the collapse involved around 500 cubic meters of debris.

Authorities said an investigation into the cause of the accident is now underway, alongside follow-up safety measures at the site.

By Sabina Mammadli