Initial investigation of a coal mine flood that has trapped 12 miners in Northeast China's Jilin province has revealed that water from a neighboring coal mine was to blame for the accident.

Rescuers enter the coal mine to rescue those left trapped on April 6. [Photo/Xinhua]

The flooding occurred at 11 a.m. Friday when water from a neighboring state-owned colliery flooded Fengxing Coal Mine, a licensed privately run mine in Jiaohe city, said Ma Hui, deputy mayor of the city.

There were 70 workers in the mine. Fifty-eight managed to escape, Ma said, while work is under way to rescue those left trapped.

It is estimated that 20,000 cubic meters of water poured into the mine in the incident.