CHANGSHA - Ten people have been confirmed dead and 15 others injured in a mine explosion that occurred on Sunday in central China's Hunan Province, local authorities said Monday.

The blast occurred around 7:55 pm Sunday at the Simachong Coal Mine in Shaodong County in the city of Shaoyang, an official from the county publicity department said.

Thirty-nine miners were working underground when the accident happened. Twenty-nine were rescued, the official said.

All 15 injured miners were rushed to a local hospital, where two remain in critical condition, the official said.

Police have detained eight people believed to be responsible for the blast, including the mine's legal representative and managers.

A further investigation into the accident is under way.