Thirty-three are dead and 61 missing after a mine fire in north China's Hebei Province, Sunday.

The fire began at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Baita Township of Shahe, trapping 106 miners underground. By 7:00 p.m. Sunday, a total of 45 miners had been removed from the mines.

Premier Wen Jiabao and State Councillor Hua Jianmin ordered the rescue team make

full efforts to find the trapped and punish those responsible according to laws.

An investigation team, sent by the State Council, reached the site Saturday.

According to preliminary investigation, an electronic cable self-ignited in one iron mine. The fire spread quickly to other four connected mines.

The Hebei provincial government Sunday issued a circular to urge all mines in the province to launch extensive safety inspection.

The circular said the fire in Shahe was the third major safety accident occurred in the province in the last two months. The other two included a gas blast occurring in Handan on Sept. 23, killing 13, and a coal mine flooding also in Handan, killing 29.

Small mines without licenses would be shut down. The mines which could not meet

the province's production safety requirements would also be closed, if they could not improve their production safety equipment on time, according to the circular.

The circular said neglectful officials involved in mine accidents would be prosecuted and those who attempt to hide their role, would be given a more severe punishment.

Source: Xinhua