Colliery gas blast in China kills 24

The colliery is designed to produce 1.5 lakh tonnes of coal a year but its permit and safety license have both expired.

Twenty-four people have been killed in a colliery gas blast in north China's Shanxi province, an official said on Monday.

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The accident took place on Sunday evening and rescuers have found all the bodies. Rescue work was completed on Monday, said an official spokesperson.

He said the accident occurred at around 6.40 pm at Luweitan colliery in Yaodu district.

A power failure earlier on Sunday is said to have caused a breakdown of the ventilation system in the pit.

Luweitan colliery is designed to produce 1,50,000 tonnes of coal a year but its production permit and safety license have both expired.

Police have detained the mine owner but its general manager is on the run.