Death toll rose to 24 and eight others remain missing in a coal mine gas explosion in Yan'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, according to latest information from the rescue headquarters.

The gas blast happened at 4:20 p.m. Saturday in Wayaobao Township Coal Mine in Zichang County of Yan'an, as 39 miners were working beneath the shaft.

Only seven miners managed to escape to the ground.

Rescue operation is carried out tensely. An 8-member team led by Wang Shuhe, deputy director of the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety, arrived at the site of the accident to give guidance in the rescue efforts.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.

Wayaobao Township Coal Mine, about four kilometers away from the seat of Zichang County, is a legal, privately invested coal production entity with an annual production capacity of 30,000 tons.

After the gas explosion, local government authorities issued an urgent circular ordering all small coal mines to stop production for rectifying measures in a bid to prevent more accidents.

The local police have detained owner of the coal mine and other managerial staff.

Source: Xinhua