BEIJING, January 12. /TASS/. At least 14 people are missing and 61 are trapped following an accident at a coal mine in the city of Pingdingshan in central China's Henan Province, Xinhua reported.

According to it, the incident occurred at around 2 p.m. Beijing time (6 a.m. GMT). According to preliminary data, it was caused by a coal and gas outburst in the outer section of an intake airway.

Local authorities have launched a rescue operation. The details of the incident are being clarified, an investigation is underway.