Five miners have been confirmed dead after being trapped in a coal mine accident Monday in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, local authorities said Tuesday.

The incident happened at about 9:50 a.m. on Monday at the Guantun coal mine in the city of Yan'an, according to the official.

Search and rescue efforts were immediately initiated after the accident happened.

A preliminary investigation by the rescuers showed the accident was caused by a gas explosion. Further investigation is currently underway.