153 trapped in flooded mine in China

Xiangning (Shanxi, China), Mar.29 (ANI): At least 153 people are reportedly trapped in flooded underground coal mine, rescuers said late Sunday night.

The official Xinhua news agency said investigations showed that 261 workers were in the pit of Wangjialing Coal Mine under construction when underground water gushed in at about 1:40 p.m.

Of them, 108 were lifted safely to the ground while 153 others trapped in the shaft, according to the rescue headquarters.

"Most of the trapped are migrant workers from Shanxi, Hebei, Hunan and Guizhou provinces," a rescuer said.

The exact number of people trapped is still being checked.

Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang rushed to the site late Sunday to oversee the search and rescue operation. (ANI)