2 killed, 9 trapped in south China stope roof fall

Two people were killed and nine others remain trapped after a roof collapse at a polymetallic mine in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, local authorities said Tuesday.

The accident happened around 6:30 p.m. Monday at an ore field in Daping Village of Nandan County. The mine where the collapse occurred belongs to a local mining company.

An initial investigation showed that 11 people were trapped, including the two people who were found dead, said the publicity department of Nandan County.

The shaft where the accident occurred has a depth of 3.7 km. The high temperature and inferior air quality at the site of the accident have hampered the rescue work.

The company did not report the accident to police, emergency management or other departments in time, which delayed the rescue work, the rescue headquarters said.

The company also tried to conceal the records of the production and the workers in the accident, according to local police.

So far, rescue facilities and supplies have been sent into the shaft. Rescue work is ongoing.