The mine is located in the village of Odakoy in western Balikesir province.

Governor Selahattin Hatipoglu told the semi-official Anatolia news agency that rescue work was underway to reach the miners, Associated Press reported.

Rescue workers retrieved the body of one miner and are trying to reach 11 others still trapped inside.

Accidents are not uncommon in Turkish mines due to outdated equipment, high concentrations of methane gas and frequent safety violations.

In June this year a gas explosion at a coal mine in the Turkish town of Dursunbey in Balikesir province killed 17 miners.