19 people still trapped underground as six more saved from collapsed mine

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19 people still trapped underground as six more saved from collapsed Shandong mine

Accident likely caused by another collapse at neighbouring gypsum operation

PUBLISHED : Friday, 25 December, 2015, 1:15pm
UPDATED : Friday, 25 December, 2015, 10:51pm

Staff reporter

A firefighter directs rescue work at the collapsed gypsum mine in Pingyi County, in east China's Shandong Province. Photo: Xinhua

Six more people have been lifted from a collapsed gypsum mine in east China’s Shandong Province tonight – but 19 others remain trapped.

A total of 29 people were working underground when the collapse occurred at about 8 am in Pingyi County, a county spokesman said. Four people escaped.

Armed police unload wood for tunnel support in the collapsed mine. Photo: Xinhua

The accident at the mine owned by the Yurong trade company was likely caused by another collapse that hit a neighbouring gypsum operation, he said.

Rescue work is difficult as part of the underground tunnel has been blocked, one rescuer told Xinhua.

The State Administration of Work Safety has sent a team of experts to the site.

According to the official microblog of China Earthquake Networks Centre, the collapse caused a 4-magnitude earthquake in Pingyi County.

The shock affected local rail service, with 10 freight trains halted and eight passenger trains delayed on Friday morning, All trains had resumed service by 12:15pm.

Excavators and bulldozers are still searching for signs of life in Shenzhen. Photo: Xinhua

It comes as the more than 5,000 rescuers with over 700 excavators and bulldozers continue to shift through rubble for signs of life following Sunday’s landslide at an industrial park in the southern city of Shenzhen.

The number still missing is now 75 since one survivor was rescued on Wednesday morning. Four bodies have also been found.