Nine people died while 11 others were left trapped underground following a gas explosion at a coal mine in northwest China, The Associated Press reported Sept. 27, citing China's state broadcaster.

The affected coal mine is located in the Shizuishan city area of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

According to the report, rescuers were trying to reach the trapped people, and the cause of the explosion is being probed.

A Shizuishan city government officer confirmed the explosion, but added that he had no further details of the incident.