BEIJING, October 10 (RIA Novosti) - At least six people died and seven are still missing following a fire at a coal mine in northeast China, Xinhua said on Saturday citing local government.

The fire started late Friday at Zhongxing Coal Mine in Liaoning province, trapping 13 workers underground. Bodies of six people had been recovered, while the search for missing workers continued through the night.

Local official believe there is "little chance" for the seven still trapped underground to survive, Xinhua said.

According to Xinhua, the mine is a licensed, private enterprise with an annual production capacity of 90,000 tons.

The coal industry in energy-hungry China is one of the most dangerous in the world due to poor work safety standards and intensive work schedule.

According to official data, some 7,000 lives are lost annually in accidents at coal mines. About 50 workers died in various accidents at mines in China this week alone.