Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are preventing rescuers from reaching 141 men trapped underground at a coalmine in central China after a gas explosion.
At least 25 of the 293 miners working at the state-owned Chenjiashan mine in Shaanxi province are known to have been killed by the blast yesterday.
Officials say their priority is mending the mine's ventilation system, which was severely damaged in the explosion and subsequent fire.
Of the 127 who escaped, 45 were injured and 11 people are said to be in a serious condition.
President Hu Jintao has said everything must be done to save the trapped men.
