Seven Missing After Gas Outburst at Central China Coal Mine

Seven workers were missing after a gas outburst at a coal mine in central China Friday, little more than a month after local officials inspected the site and called for tighter safety controls.

The accident occurred at 5:08 a.m. at the Yangmeishan coal mine in Lianyuan, Hunan province. Of the 52 workers underground at the time, 44 made it out safely, while one was receiving emergency treatment, according to Xinhua News Agency. Rescue efforts are ongoing and authorities are investigating the cause.