The death toll from a coal mine explosion in northeast China has risen to 87, with nearly two dozen other miners still trapped underground.

Chinese state media said the toll rose from 42 dead and 66 trapped on Saturday. A total of 528 workers were in the mine in Heilongjiang province, which borders Russia. Sources said more than 400 have now gotten out safely and rescue teams are hunting for the missing miners.

Lax safety standards have made China's mines the deadliest in the world.

However, Beijing plans to clamp down on unsafe operations where most accidents occur. The Chinese government reportedly closed hundreds of small mines in a recent safety drive.

Over 3,000 people died in China in mine explosions and other accidents in 2008.

JR/SS/HGL