China: 22 killed in mine explosion

An accidental explosion at a coal mine in southwest China killed 22 miners on Saturday, state media said, in the latest deadly incident to hit the country's troubled industry. Nine others were trapped after the blast at the Taozigou coal mine in Sichuan Province, Xinhua reported, citing the country's work safety authorities.

At the time of the accident, 108 miners were underground, the report said. China's mines are among the world's deadliest because of lax regulation, corruption and poor operating procedures. Accidents are common because safety is often neglected by bosses seeking easy profits. (AFP)