Nearly 33 people were trapped in an underground coal mine in south-western China's Chongqing after a gas explosion on Monday.
The People's Daily tweeted saying: "33 people trapped after coal mine explosion in #Chongqing, rescue & investigation ongoing."
Xinhua, the state news agency, reported that the blast took place at 11.30 am at the Jinshangou Coal Mine in the town of Laisu.
The news agency said 35 miners had been working in the shaft. Only two of them were rescued from the coal mine.
Authorities said rescuers are still searching for those who are trapped.
**This is a developing story.
