Seven killed in coal mine collapse

At least seven coal miners were killed and 24 remain trapped after an explosion caused a mine to collapse on Indonesia's Sumatra island on Tuesday, police said.

Emergency workers were frantically searching for survivors at the mine in Sawah Lunto district, West Sumatra province, disaster response official Adriyusman told AFP.

"Our rescue personnel are working now to save the trapped miners," he said.

Police said there was an explosion at the mine before it collapsed, leaving a massive hole about 100 metres deep.

"We've pulled out seven bodies so far and 24 people are still trapped inside," police officer Jasman told ElShinta radio.

He said the mine was owned by a group of local residents and the miners were using traditional methods.(*)