Sichuan coal mine blast death toll rises to 43

The gas explosion at a coal mine in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, death toll has risen to 43, and 3 miners still trapped underground. Rescuers have already located the trapped miners, and are working on lifting them out. The local government says 154 miners were working underground when the blast hit the Xiao-jia-wan (???) Coal Mine. 108 miners were either rescued or escaped on their own. 3 men died on the way to hospital. Local authorities say 54 injured miners are being treated. Four of the seven critically injured are showing improvements, and their conditions are no longer life-threatening. The mine is owned by the Zhengjin (??) Industry and Trade Company. The owner of the mine is now being held by police for questioning. And the central government has established an investigation group to probe the cause of the accident.