A gas outburst accident at a coal mine in Lianyuan city, Hunan province, on Friday morning has left seven people missing and one injured, China Central Television reported.

The accident occurred at 5:08 am at the Yangmeishan Coal Mine, where 52 miners were working at the time.

Following the accident, 44 miners were safely rescued.

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The injured miner is currently undergoing emergency medical treatment.

Local authorities have mobilized emergency response and health departments to conduct rescue operations on-site.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.