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Rescue workers on the site of the Diaoshuidong Mine: The most dangerous mines in the world
Photo: STR / AFP
At least 18 miners were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in a mining accident in southwest China.
A total of 24 people were trapped underground, the state broadcaster CCTV reported on Saturday.
A miner was found alive from the Diaoshuidong mine in Chongqing.
It was initially unclear how the fatal leak of the colorless and odorless gas could occur.
According to a report by the news portal "The Paper", the coal mine should have been closed two months ago.
At the end of September there was an accident on the outskirts of the metropolis of Chongqing, with 16 dead in a coal mine.
Back then, too, workers died of carbon monoxide poisoning after a conveyor belt caught fire underground.
China's mines are considered to be the most dangerous in the world.
Thousands of workers are killed every year, according to unconfirmed estimates.
Poor safety precautions, inadequate equipment, insufficient supervision and nepotism in local authorities are common causes.
There is also criticism that many accidents are covered up.
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mik / dpa