Coalmine blast kills 16 miners

The death toll from the colliery gas blast in southwest China's Guizhou province has been confirmed at 16, as rescue work concluded Tuesday, state media reported. The explosion took place at the Shagou Coal Mine in Liupanshui city November 18 when 25 miners were working underground. Nine escaped and 16 were found dead by rescuers. Families of each of the dead have received US$25,000 compensation.