The death toll from a fatal coal mine gas explosion in North China's Shanxi province has risen to 82 and rescue efforts are ongoing, Xinhua reported.

Individuals in charge of the company involved have been taken into custody by law enforcement, according to the rescue headquarters.

A total of 247 workers were underground when the accident occurred at 7:29 pm on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Changzhi.

As of 6:00 am on Saturday, 201 miners had been safely brought to the surface.