China mine blast death toll passes 100

One hundred and four workers have died and a further four remain trapped underground following a blast at coal mine in northeastern China, state media reported. More than 500 miners were working in the Xinxing mine, in Heilongjiang province, when the explosion occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning. Preliminary investigations indicate that it was a gas explosion. The mine is owned and operated by the Hegang mining company. Zhang Fucheng, an official in charge of rescue efforts, said that the rescue mission had been held up by the freezing temperatures, gas leaks and collapsed tunnels. The blast was so strong that it shook nearby buildings.