China mine-blast death toll rises to 42

The confirmed death toll from a gas explosion that tore through a coal mine in northern China has risen to 42 dead with 66 people still trapped in the mine about a third of a mile underground.

Rescuers have brought out 31 people alive.

Television footage showed smoke billowing out of the mine, with a collapsed building nearby.

The report said power, ventilation and communication links in the mine were cut by the explosion, hampering rescue efforts.