The death toll from a coal mine gas leak in central China's Henan Province has risen to 32 after six more bodies were found, rescuers said Monday.

Some 300 rescuers are still racing against the time to search the five miners remaining trapped despite slim chances of survival as they were feared buried in coal dust.

More than 2,500 tonnes of coal dust smothered the pit after the gas leak, which hampered the rescue, said Du Bo, deputy chief of the rescue headquarters.

The rescue efforts, however, are speeding up after the underground transport, power and ventilation systems have been restored, said Du.

The gas outburst happened at 6:03 a.m. Saturday when 276 miners were working underground in the mine in Yuzhou City. A total of 239 workers escaped but 21 were found dead and 16 were trapped.

An initial investigation showed that 173,500 cubic meters of gas leaked out in the accident.

The mine is owned by Pingyu Coal & Electric Co. Ltd., a company jointly established by four investors, including Zhong Ping Energy Chemical Group and China Power Investment Corp.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2010)