China coal mine blast kills 11

Mining accidents kill and injure thousands every year in China

At least 11 people have died in a gas explosion at a mine in the northern Chinese province of Shanxi, the country's Xinhua news agency reports.

It said the blast ripped through a shaft at the Xingguang company coal mine in the city of Jinzhong.

Two miners have been rescued. Three people are still missing and rescue work continues.

At least 3,200 people died in China's coal mines last year, making them the deadliest in the world.

China has been attempting to crack down on violation of safety regulations at coal mines, and many smaller mines have closed in recent months.