Dozens of rescuers worked through the night in freezing temperatures to try to reach the miners who may have been trapped by Monday's blast but little hope is held for their survival.

The cause of the accident, which occurred some 242m underground is under investigation.

Twenty-eight injured miners are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, burns and fractures the Xinhua News Agency said.

In October 2002, the government created China's first safety laws and launched a nationwide effort that included workplace inspectors. Despite this accidents have continued to plague coal mines.

Last year more than 6,000 miners died in fires, floods and explosions - an average of about 16 workers per day. In October 2004 148 miners were killed in an explosion and in November 166 miners were killed in Shaanxi province.

Fuxin Coal Industry Group’s Sunjiawan mine produces around 1.5 million tonnes of coal per annum and is near Fuxin City.