In China, at least nine people were killed and 11 others trapped today after a gas explosion underground a coal mine in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. <br/><br/>Local authorities said the explosion occurred at a coal mine of Linli Coal Mining Co. Ltd. in Baijigou of Shizuishan City. Local authorities launched a level II emergency rescue response and sent senior officials to coordinate the rescue efforts at the site. The rescue operation is still under way.