GUIYANG - Seven miners have died after a coal and gas outburst at a colliery in Southwest China's Guizhou province early Saturday morning, local authorities said.

The accident happened at 2 am, when 50 miners were working underground at Huangshuiba Coal Mine in Yumo Township of Jinsha County, according to the county government.

Forty-five workers were lifted out. However, two of them died after emergency treatment failed.

Rescuers later found five bodies underground.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.