WUHAI, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 12(Xinhuanet)-- The number of miners killed in a colliery gas explosion in Wuhai, a city of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has risen to 16 Saturday afternoon.

The explosion occurred Friday afternoon, when 19 miners were working inside. Rescuers have found bodies of 16 miners. Only three miners have been evacuated.

According to a preliminary investigation, the company is operating the mine without safety production license.

The company said that it has applied for the license, but hasn't got approval so far. The investigators led by Zhao Shuanglian, vice chairman of the regional government, have frozen the company's bank account, cash and property. Enditem