BEIJING - China's Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) has dispatched a working group to guide and undertake rescue efforts after a coal mine was flooded on Saturday in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

At 6:10 pm Saturday, the coal mine was flooded in Hutubi county, the Hui autonomous prefecture of Changji, trapping 21 people.

A ministry official has been sent to the scene to lead the working group and experts in their rescue efforts, according to the MEM.

National rescue teams and local firefighting teams have been dispatched to aid rescue operations, the ministry added.

Rescue underway after coal mine floods in Xinjiang

URUMQI - Rescue work is underway after a coal mine in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region was flooded on Saturday, trapping 21 miners, local authorities said on Sunday.

The accident occurred at 6:10 pm on Saturday, when 29 workers were upgrading the coal mine in Hutubi County, the Hui autonomous prefecture of Changji. Eight people have been rescued.

The workers are trapped approximately 1,200 meters underground, according to Bao Yongsheng, deputy head of Changji. Ma Xin, director of Changji's emergency management bureau, said that the underground environment is very complex and drainage is the foremost concern at present.

Three sets of drainage equipment are pumping out water at speeds of 450 cubic meters per hour. A fourth set is currently being installed and is expected to double efficiency once in operation.

The rescue forces are actively attempting to contact the trapped miners.

--6:10 pm Saturday  the accident occurred

8 rescued, 21 trapped in coal mine accident in Xinjiang

URUMQI - Eight people have been rescued and 21 still trapped after a coal mine was flooded Saturday in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, local authorities said Sunday.

The accident occurred around 6:10 pm Saturday, when 29 workers were upgrading the coal mine in Hutubi county, the Hui autonomous prefecture of Changji.

Rescue work is currently underway.