Rescuers are battling to save 15 coalminers trapped underground after a mine in central China was struck by fierce floods.
State news agency Xinhua reported Thursday that six of the men were trapped in a pit in Enshi Tujia in Hubei Province, while another nine were underground in Miao Autonomous Prefecture.
The accident is reported to have taken place at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Rescue squads continue to work at the scene while an investigation into the incident is launched.
Xinhua reported that the country's work safety watchdog has vowed to close over 1,700 accident-prone small mines in a bid to enhance safety and reduce casualties.
In the first half of this year, 51 coalmine accidents in the region killed 122 people.
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