A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China that killed 105 mine workers yesterday is being investigated by Chinese police, according to China's official news agency Xinhua.
The explosion occurred at the village-run Xinyao pit in Hongtong county near the city of Linfen, operated by the Ruizhiyuan Mining Company.
Two mine officials, including the head of the mine, are being held by the police on suspicion the accident could have been caused by illegal activity in an unauthorised area of the mine, writes Xinhua.
The death toll climbed to 105 after 26 bodies were recovered overnight.
In August, about 170 miners died in eastern Shandong Province after heavy rains flooded several coal mines.
By staff writer
