Coal Mine Accident: 3 dead, 18 trapped in eastern China's Shandong Province

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01:56

Three are confirmed 3 dead, and 18 still trapped in a coal mine in eastern China's Shandong Province. Rescue efforts are underway at this hour. One miner pulled from the rubble earlier today is listed in stable condition at an area hospital. CGTN's Li Jianhua brings you the latest on the accident.

Rescuers in Yuncheng County working against the clock in the hopes of finding the miners trapped under the ground. Now, supplies are being sent into the coal mine shaft, where the 18 remain trapped. These supplies, including logs, are being used to prop up the collapsed shaft, only 4 meters wide. Experts say more difficulties lie ahead as the rescue work goes on.

WANG DUANWU, DIRECTOR SHANDONG COAL MINE SAFETY SUPERVISION BUREAU "Clearing away the debris (in the shaft) is difficult. It's likely some miners are buried underneath it. Therefore, we have to clear the fallen debris cautiously, and this is slowing down our work."

Soldiers and police at the shaft entrance wait for any possible survivors. Earlier, one miner was lifted out alive and sent to a local hospital. Doctors say he is in a stable condition.

ZHANG YUBAO, HEAD SHANDONG EMERGENCY MEDICAL TEAM "The patient said something blocked the debris that was supposed to fall on him. Half of his body was buried, and fortunately he managed to escape and was found by rescuers and medical teams."

The investigation continues into the Saturday accident at the coal mine as relatives of these miners wait for their return.

LI JIANHUA YUNCHENG, SHANDONG PROVINCE "This is the gate where we may see the signs of life, and unfortunately death. Any possible survivors should be wheeled out from here. As the time ticks away, it's becoming harder for the rescuers to work, and many of them are hoping for the best possible outcome."