Hopes fade for trapped China mine victims after a week

The chances of finding 33 miners still trapped in a Chinese coal pit were diminishing today after the rescue of 115 miners who survived more than a week underground.

Rising floodwaters and the danger of gas meant rescuers were unable to reach the areas where the remaining miners are believed to have been trapped.

The discovery of five bodies at the coal pit in Shanxi Province in northern China also dashed hopes that they would be found alive. A total of 115 workers were brought to safety yesterday after surviving for eight days underground by eating sawdust and strapping themselves to the walls of the shafts with their belts to avoid drowning while they slept.

It was a rare piece of good news for China's mining industry, the deadliest in the world, and the dramatic rescue was broadcast live on television. Five bodies were removed from the mine last night but rescue efforts were continuing.