Sixteen people died in an accident at a coal mine in southwest China on Sunday, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
Chinese mines are considered one of the deadliest in the world.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the level of carbon monoxide was raised in the mine, as a result of which 17 miners in Chongqing were trapped. The lone survivor is in the hospital.
According to the county government, the accident occurred at the Songzao coal mine, owned by a local energy company, early Sunday morning.
Carbon monoxide levels have exceeded safety limits due to the burning of the tapes in the mine, Xinhua News Agency reported.
A rescue team of 75 people was sent to the mine, 30 medical workers arrived at the site.
