Gas Leak in Mine Kills 12 in Northeast China

AP reported on Monday that a gas leak in a mine in northeast China had asphyxiated 12 miners who were trapped inside.

BEIJING (Sputnik) — At least 12 miners died as result of a gas leak in a mine in Jilin Province in northeast China, Xinhua News Agency reported Monday.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the city of Baishan, while over 700 miners were underground, the agency reported.

After the incident, 692 miners were able to escape to the surface, while 13 were trapped underground, 12 of which later died. The lone survivor was hospitalized and is in stable condition.

12 people killed, 1 injured in a coal mine accident in Baishan, NE #China's Jilin Sunday. Cause under investigation. pic.twitter.com/fZSPN5byJM

— People's Daily,China (@PDChina) March 7, 2016

According to the agency, the rescue operation involved 316 people, 11 ambulances, and 46 doctors. To date, the search and rescue operations have been completed. The cause of the incident is being investigated.

Jilin province is rich in natural mineral deposits, with 136 types of minerals, particularly oil, gas, coal and iron.