Rescue efforts under way to save 14 trapped miners (3)

Local authorities said the flooded colliery was a licensed site operated by Furuixiang Coal Corp, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

This is not the first time Qitaihe has suffered a coal mine accident in recent years.

In November 2005, a gigantic explosion rocked a coal mine in the city, killing 171 miners and injuring 48.

An investigation by the State Council found the tragedy was caused by irregular use of dynamite. Eleven mine officials were criminally punished, and another 21 were given disciplinary or administrative penalties.

Qitaihe is well known for its rich mineral resources, especially coal. The city was established in 1958 with the primary goal of developing local mines.

The city is now the largest manufacturer of coking coal and coke in Northeast China and has about 400 million tons of coal and coke reserves, according to the city government.