Eight miners were confirmed dead up to 8:00 a.m. Sunday in the five iron mines that caught fire Saturday morning in the city of Shahe in north China's Hebei Province, while 19 were rescued and 79 still trapped.

According to preliminary investigation, the fire broke out due to electronic cable self-ignition in one iron mine. The fire spread quickly to other four iron mines because the five coal mines were communicated with each other. Heavy smog soon trapped 106 miners.

Rescue work was organized immediately, and 175 rescuers in 15 teams managed to save 19 miners up to 8:00 a.m. Sunday. Premier Wen Jiabao has urged to save the lives of miners at any cost.

Six smog-expelling machines have been installed and eight ventilation experts have rushed to the spot. All rescued miners have been hospitalized.

Local public security bureau has caught the bosses of the minesand frozen their bank accounts.

Source: Xinhua