A gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Qinyuan County, north China's Shanxi Province, has left heavy casualties, local authorities said on Saturday. The accident occurred at 7:29 p.m. on Friday while 247 miners were working underground. As of Saturday morning, 201 people had been safely lifted to the surface.

Rescue operations are ongoing as emergency teams race against time to reach those still trapped. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

CGTN's Hu Chao brings you the latest.