CHENGDU - The death toll in a gas explosion that occurred Wednesday afternoon in a coal mine in Southwest China's Sichuan province has climbed to 19, rescuers said Thursday morning.

A total of 107 miners have been rescued, although 28 remain missing, the local rescue headquarters said.

A total of 154 miners were working underground at the Xiaojiawan Coal Mine in the city of Panzhihua when the blast occurred around 6 pm Wednesday.

The injured have been taken to local hospitals, the headquarters said.

Professional rescue teams from other coal mines in Sichuan have been sent to the accident site.

The coal mine is owned by Zhengjin Industry and Trade Co, Ltd.

The owner of the mine is being questioned by police.