24 trapped in flooded coal mine in N China

Twenty four people were trapped after water flooded a coal mine in north China's Shanxi Province at around 6:50 p.m. on Sunday, the coal mine's owner reported on Monday.

A total of 247 people were working in the Jiangjiawan coal mine when the accident occurred. 223 people have been evacuated. The coal mine, now owned by Datong Coal Mine Group, has an annual production capacity of 900,000 tonnes.

Initial investigation suggests the flooding was caused by water accumulated in a mined-out area of the colliery.

Rescue for the 24 trapped people is still underway.