26 killed as lifts plunge in China mine

CHANGSHA - Twenty-six miners were killed when two lifts plunged into a tin ore mine in central China’s Hunan province, rescuers said.

Rescuers said Thursday that 19 miners were killed on the spot.

There were 31 miners in the two lifts, which plunged because of brake failure at about 9.15 a.m.

Five workers were injured in the accident, said the rescuers.

The tin ore mine in Lengshuijiang city is operated by the Shanxing Antimony Industry Co. Ltd.

The government has ordered an immediate workplace safety check throughout the province.