Coal mine explosion kills 9, leaves more trapped underground

BEIJING — A gas explosion at a coal mine in northwest China on Tuesday killed nine people and left 11 others trapped underground, China’s state broadcaster reported.The explosion happened Tuesday morning at a mine in the Shizuishan city area of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China Central Television said. Rescuers were trying to reach the trapped and the cause of the explosion was under investigation, it said.An officer at the Shizuishan city government confirmed the gas explosion, but said he had no details.China’s mines have long been the world’s deadliest, but safety improvements have reduced deaths in recent years.