Coal thieves trapped underground

Nine people are trapped underground after trying to steal coal from the Kailuan Group in Guye District of Tangshan City, Hebei Province, Xinhuanet.com reported today.

Rescue work is continuing.

Police have caught gang leader Han Fengguo and charged him with constructing a shaft underground to steal coal.

Heavy rain in the early hours of August 27 caused a ground collapse trapping the nine, the report said.