Beijing: At least 56 people were killed and over 100 are missing in an explosion that ripped through a coal mine in central China's Henan Province, local officials said today (Oct 21, 2004).

The blast occurred at 22:47 hrs (20:17 hrs IST) yesterday (Oct 20, 2004) in Daping Mine of Zhengmei Group, which is located in Xinmi area of the province, the local coal mine safety administration said.

There were more than 400 miners at work when the incident occurred. More than 200 people managed to escape but another 148 were stranded in the mine, Xinhua news agency reported from Zhengzhou, the provincial capital.

The local administration has rushed rescue teams to the site, it said. So far, 56 people have been confirmed dead, but more details regarding the tragedy was unavailable.

The cause of the blast is under investigation, according to officials.