Xinhua first reported 152 people were trapped in a shaft at the Wangjialing coal mine, but the numbers were revised to 123 about 11 hours ago.

There are no exact figures on those who escaped, but the official news agency reported that 108 workers were safely lifted to the ground right after the incident.

Last year, Chinese authorities implemented a new safety regime in the province, with about 1000 small mines closed down.

Major producer China Shenhua Energy recently said the consolidation and reopening of the small mines in the province would be a gradual process.