An explosion at the Yuanyang coal mine near Anshun City in Guizhou province, China , during the evening of May 13, has claimed at least 21 lives.

A total of 31 miners were working in the vicinity when the blast took place, said the local authorities.

Amongst the ten survivors, five are still being treated in hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning after the outburst of coal-gas.

At present, rescue teams are still continuing their search as some sources have indicated that it is possible there were more than 31 miners at the face when the accident occurred./.