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BEIJING - AN ACCIDENT in a southwestern China coal mine killed 14 people, state media reported on Saturday, in the latest tragedy to hit the country's notoriously deadly coal mining industry.
Four other people were injured by Friday's 'gas outburst' in the mine near the city of Zhaotong in Yunnan Province, Xinhua news agency reported, quoting local sources.
The report did not explain what a 'gas outburst' was, but China's mines are frequently hit by incidents in which miners choke to death on dangerous gases or in gas explosions.
The report said the death toll was not expected to grow.
Nearly 3,800 lives were lost in Chinese coal mines last year, down 20 percent from the year before, according to government figures.
However, many independent labour groups suspect the actual death toll is much higher, saying many accidents are covered up to prevent costly shutdowns and legal action. -- AFP
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