Beijing, March 13 - Twenty-one miners were killed while four went missing when a coal and gas outburst took place in a mine in China's Guizhou province Tuesday, authorities said.

At least 58 of the total 83 miners, working underground at the time of accident, managed to reach the ground safely, Xinhua reported.

The accident occurred in the evening at Machang Coal Mine, belonging to a company of Guizhou Water & Mining Group.

Rescue operation was underway and the cause for the accident was yet to be established till last report. (IANS)