XI'AN, April 19 -- Rescue workers are pumping water that trapped six people underground out of a flooded coal mine in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The flood was reported at 4:40 a.m. in a pit at Bandingliangta Coal Mine in Daliuta Township, Shenmu County. Seven people were working underground, only one of whom has escaped.

In a latest update, General Manager of Shenhua Shendong Coal Group Yang Rongming, overseeing the rescue, said the location of the six miners had been identified. Five powerful pumps are draining the water, about 610 meters below the ground.

More than 300 people have joined the rescue efforts.

The authorities said the mine is properly licensed. The cause of the flooding under investigation.