The bodies of 12 miners killed in a coal mine explosion in southwest China's Guizhou Province have been recovered, but two miners are still missing, say local police.

The blast happened in Huaxiang Coal Mine located in Yangjiawan Town, Bijie City in the province, at 8:10 a.m. on Friday when the miners were working below ground.

After the explosion occurred, rescuers rushed to the spot to search for survivors.

Huaxiang Coal Mine is a privately-run mine.

The coal mine has been order for rectification, and up to now it has no official license. Two days before the accident, the owner, who has not been located, organized local farmers to work underground, police said.

A preliminary investigation showed that a malfunctioning electric exhaust fan 400 meters below ground ignited the gas explosion.
 
(Xinhua News Agency March 13, 2004)