BEIJING – (UPDATE 2) An explosion at a coal mine in northeast China early Saturday killed 31 workers and left 82 trapped, state-run China Central Television (CCTV) said.

A total of 528 miners were working in the mine in Heilongjiang province, when the blast occurred at 0230 (1830 GMT Friday), according to a statement issued by the State Administration of Work Safety.

The previous toll given by CCTV was 15 dead and 114 trapped.

Xinhua said vice premier Zhang Dejiang was going to the scene of the incident to direct rescue operations.

The mine is owned by the Heilongjiang Longmay Mining Holding Group, based in provincial capital Harbin, the safety watchdog said.

China's coal mines are among the most dangerous in the world, with safety standards often ignored in the quest for profits and the drive to meet surging demand for coal – the source of about 70 percent of China's energy.

Official figures show that more than 3,200 workers died in collieries last year, but independent labor groups say the actual figure could be much higher.