Mine Explosion in China TODAY

China mine blast kills 20 and leaves 17 trapped

More than 70 rescuers are trying to reach the trapped miners in Yuzhou
An explosion at a coal mine in central China has killed 20 miners and trapped another 17 underground, officials say.

Rescue efforts are underway at the pit in Yuzhou, Henan province, which state media said had been hit by a "sudden coal and gas outburst".

The 17 miners have been located, but rescuers first must clear tons of coal dust in the mine shaft to reach them.

China's mining industry is the most dangerous in the world - more than 2,600 were killed in accidents in 2009.