ZHENGZHOU, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Eight miners have been killed in a gas explosion at a coal mine in central China's Henan Province, officials with the provincial administration of production safety said Wednesday.

    The fatal accident took place at Siyuangou Village, Chencun Town of Mianchi County at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, killing the 8 miners and trapping others.

    The unlicensed coal mine, which had been shut down by local government, restarted operation at 7 p.m. Monday without any approval from authorities.

    The owner and executives of the mine are hiding, which makes ithard to identify the exact number of the trapped miners, the officials said.

    Rescue work is in full swing, according to the officials. Enditem