Nine killed in China mine theft attempt

Beijing: Nine people, who had sneaked into an abandoned coal mine in an attempted theft in eastern China's Fujian Province, have died after inhaling toxic gasses.

Tweleve people had entered the closed mine in Yongding District yesterday to dig coal.

Three of them returned after they smelled a strong odour.

They called up the police after the nine persons who had descended into the mine first did not show up, rescuers said.

Rescuers were sent into the mine but a high-concentration of carbon-monoxide slowed the process.

The nine bodies were recovered today.

A man surnamed Shen, suspected of organising the 12-person theft team, has been arrested, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.