12 killed in China mine fire

Beijing, Aug 17 (IANS) At least 12 persons were killed after a fire broke out at a limestone mine in China, officials said.

The incident took place in Zhangye City in China's Gansu Province on Tuesday evening, Xinhua news agency reported.

The trapped persons were pulled out in the early hours of Wednesday, and confirmed dead. Three rescuers fainted during the operation and died despite treatment.

The mine is operated by the Jiuquan Iron and Steel Group (JISCO).