(AFP)–2 hours ago

BEIJING — A gas explosion at a coal mine in northeast China earlySaturday trapped 139 miners underground, state-run Xinhua news agencyreported.

The incident happened at about 2:30 am (1830 GMTFriday) at a mine in Hegang City in China's Heilongjiang province,Xinhua said, quoting the provincial coal mine safety watchdog.

The watchdog said the mine is owned by the Heilongjiang Longmei Mining Holding Group.

Thecompany confirmed that 528 miners were working in the mine when theblast occurred, of whom 389 escaped, Xinhua said, adding that rescuerswere searching for the trapped miners.

An employee of thewatchdog, contacted by AFP, said she was not aware of the details ofthe incident, adding officials were on their way to the mine.

China'scoal mines are among the most dangerous in the world, with safetystandards often ignored in the quest for profits and the drive to meetsurging demand for coal -- the source of about 70 percent of China'senergy.

Official figures show that more than 3,200 workers diedin collieries last year, but independent labour groups say the actualfigure could be much higher.