YICHUAN, Henan, April 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 51 miners have survived the underground coal mine explosion that left at least eight dead and one injured in central China's Henan Province Wednesday.
Henan Governor Guo Gengmao said Thursday mine manager Wang Guozheng has not been contactable since the gas explosion occurred at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday in the mine operated by Guomin Mining Co., Ltd. in Yichuan County, Luoyang City.
At least eight have died and it was estimated that 27 others may be still trapped underground, said a spokesman with the rescue headquarters.
"Rescuers have determined the explosion occurred at the entrance to the pit after an underground gas outburst. There is still a chance those trapped underground survived the explosion," said Guo, who is leading the rescue efforts.
Of 51 rescued miners, 31 were saved by rescuers led by the deputy mine manager and 20 others escaped by themselves.