BEIJING - The number of deaths caused by coal mine gas explosions in China declined sharply during the first half of this year, coal mine safety authorities said.

A total of 245 people died in 62 gas explosions that occurred between January and June this year, a year-on-year reduction of 31.2 and 25.3 percent respectively, the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety said.

In spite of the declining casualty numbers, the administration said gas explosions still pose a severe threat, as blasts still occur with some frequency.

The administration said that the country's northeastern and southwestern provinces are most vulnerable to coal mine gas explosions.