Five die in southwestern China mine as hope fades for 47 trapped in north

(Lian Zhen/Xinhua via AP)

At least five workers were killed in a roof collapse at a mine in southwestern China, as hope appeared to be fading for 47 miners trapped after a mining disaster last week in northern China.

Deadly mine disasters occur regularly in China, although authorities have reduced their toll greatly by emphasising safety and closing smaller operations that lacked necessary equipment.