They died after an air compressor caught fire inside the mine in north China's Hebei Province, local authorities said today. Two more miners are still missing.
The accident occurred last night in a coal mine in Huailai County of Zhangjiakou City, the publicity department of Zhangjiakou City said.
The mine belongs to Zhangkuang Group, a subsidiary of Jizhong Energy Group Co. Ltd, state run Xinhua news agency reported today.
Thirteen miners were working in the mine when the accident happened.
China's mines are notoriously hazardous, with 1,384 people killed in coal mine accidents last year. Safety improvements have reduced deaths over the years, but regulations are often ignored.