KUNMING - Seven people remain trapped underground following a coal mine accident in Southwest China's Yunnan province, local authorities said Tuesday.

A total of 10 people, including the coal mine's manager, a safety inspector and eight workers, became trapped after a coal mine shaft caved in Monday afternoon at a coal mine in Luxi County, a government spokesman said.

Three people were rescued as of 9 am Tuesday, the spokesman said.

The 10 people were inspecting the mine's ventilation facilities when the accident occurred, he said.

The mine is owned by Yunnan Dongyuan Luxi Coal Mine Industry Co, Ltd., he said.

Rescuers are struggling to reach the trapped people, he said.