Gas exploded at a coal mine in Shanxi province, northern China yesterday, killing 15 people and injuring 9.

Shanxi Pingyao Fengyan Mineral Coal mine mine mine exploded yesterday afternoon, when 35 miners were working inside, Chinese media today said.

After a loud bang caused by gas, 11 miners escaped, nine were injured, and the rest trapped inside were killed. Officials are investigating the cause of the explosion.

Mine explosion is a frequent accident in China due to loose safety regulations. At least 59 people died in two explosions in the mines of Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang in December 2016. In December 2018, the mine collapse southwest of Chongqing city also killed seven miners.