Four coal miners were killed in a fire sparked by a methane gas blast at a coal mine in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam at daybreak on Wednesday.

The mine is owned by Thong Nhat Coal Company, based in the province's Cam Pha City.

The deadly incident occurred at 0:20, said a representative of the company.

After being notified of the accident, rescuers and officials quickly arrived at the scene.

The bodies of the four victims were taken out of the mine at 3:15 am.

Apart from the deaths, the fire also left seven other miners injured.

They were rushed to Quang Ninh General Hospital for emergency treatment.

The incident happened when a group of 11 coal workers were mining, according to preliminary investigation results. 

The mine spans an area of 23 square meters.

Local authorities and the company are cooperating to support the deceased’s families, and provide each with VND60 million (US$2,400).

Quang Ninh Province has reported some tragedies caused by methane gas explosions over the past few years, reported Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper.

In 2019, a blaze triggered by methane broke out at Ha Long Coal Company, claiming two lives and injuring three others.

Methane caused a fire at a mine exploited by 86 Limited Company in 2013, killing four workers.

Methane is a gas without color and smell, and is often found in mines and biogas cellars.

It is extremely flammable and may form explosive mixtures with air.

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