W. Sumatra coal mine blast death toll rises to 28

Twenty-eight dead bodies have been found and about 12 others are believed to remain trapped in the coal mining hole in Sawahlunto regency, West Sumatra that collapsed on Tuesday following an explosion, Detik.com said on Wednesday.

Rescuers and police were working hand in hand to find the victims of the methane blast, the website reported.

"As of 12 a.m., there are 28 dead bodies have been found and 12 people remain missing," Rustam S. Pakaya, the head of crisis handling center at the Ministry of Health, was quoted as saying.

The mine workers were trapped in the mining hole following a methane explosion at midday on Tuesday which caused over 50 meters high blaze and landslide. (*)