BBC News Online: World: Asia-Pacific

54 feared dead in China mine blast

The explosion occurred at the Lanshan Coal Mine in the town of Hegang, in Heilongjiang province at around 0100 (1700 GMT) on Tuesday.

Nine workers have been confirmed dead, and another 45 are missing, with a raging fire blocking any possible rescue attempt.

A rescue official on the scene said hopes for their survival were dim.

"We have to put out the fire first. All the rescue efforts are focused on it at this moment," Mr Dai said.

Deadly business

China's coal mines are the world's deadliest, with thousands of deaths each year in fires, cave-ins and explosions often blamed on inadequate ventilation and safety equipment.

More than 4,800 deaths were reported last year, and still more fatalities may have been concealed by mine operators.

The government has been trying to shut down hundreds of small, unlicensed mines that operate without even basic safety equipment.

The Lanshan mine is government-owned but privately operated, according to Mr Dai.