TAIPEI, Apr 25 (AP) -- Two landmine removal experts from Zimbabwe were killed Monday when they accidentally triggered a powerful explosion while removing mines on Kinmen island between Taiwan and China, police said.

Another technician was seriously injured in Kinmen, which was heavily mined in the 1950s to fend off Chinese attempts to seize Taiwan, police said.

The accident happened when the experts were handling the mines being removed, but it was unclear what triggered the explosion, police said.

A British firm has sent 12 experts, all from Zimbabwe, to clear mines at the site where a reservoir is to be built.