Beijing - An explosion Friday in a coal mine in central China killed 14 miners and trapped another 11, local media reported.

The explosion at Pingyu mine in Yuzhou city, Henan province, occurred early Friday, reported Xinhua news agency.

Rescuers were attempting to find the 11 trapped miners. The cause of the explosion was unknown.

On Thursday, nine of 38 coal miners working underground in central Shanxi province were trapped, Xinhua said, without disclosing further information.

Mining accidents in China kill an estimated 10,000 people annually. The accidents, many occurring at illegal mines, are often triggered by outdated equipment and poor safety measures. (dpa)