Chinese officials said Friday that four people have been confirmed dead and at least 57 are missing after a rock burst in a coal mine in central China's Henan Province.

Officials say the accident happened Thursday evening in the Qianqiu Coal Mine in the city of Sanmenxia.

A total of 75 miners were working in the shaft at the time of the accident. Fourteen miners managed to escape.

Officials say rescue efforts are underway and there is a chance that some of the missing miners could have survived.

A rock burst occurs when rock under high pressure suddenly releases its energy in a violent explosion.