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BEIJING, Wednesday (Reuters) At least 63 people were killed and 23 are missing after a gas explosion in a coal mine in eastern China, state television reported on Wednesday.

An official at the local bureau in charge of mines said there was little hope those missing would be found alive after Tuesday's blast, the latest major accident in China's mining industry, the world's largest and deadliest.

"I think their chance for survival is very small," the official, who declined to give his name, said.

"We have sent 40 to 50 professional rescuers to the scene," he told Reuters by telephone. It said 28 had been rescued.

The local official said the miners were working 500 metres to 600 metres (1,600 to 2,000 ft) below the surface when the explosion occurred.

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