A mine blast in Liaoyang China has killed at least five people and left 17 others trapped underground.

Rescuers said that they planned to restore the air gateways of the mine to lower the gas levels before continuing their efforts to save the trapped victims.

Speaking in Mandarin a state safety expert explained how treacherous the conditions for rescue are.

China's mines are the deadliest in the world, due to lax safety standards and a rush to feed demand from a robust economy. And It is believed the owner of the private mine, who ignored serious safety practices has since left the country.