Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday called for all efforts to rescue the miners trapped or injured in the coal mine blast in north China's Shanxi Province.

As of 6:00 PM, 74 people were confirmed dead from the accident which occurred early Sunday morning at the Tunlan Coal Mine of Shanxi Coking Coal Group.

The president and premier urged rescuers to spare no efforts to save the trapped miners and ensure the safety of rescuers, and prevent secondary accidents.

Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang headed for the site Sunday evening to direct the rescue operation and console the injured miners and families of the victims. Zhang also declared to set up an investigation team to probe into the cause of the accident.

Leaders from the State Administration of Work Safety and Shanxi provincial officials have also arrived at the scene.

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2009)