KUALA LUMPUR - Three Chinese workers were killed and 13 injured in mine accidents in Sarawak state in Malaysia's east peninsula, China consulate officials in the state capital of Kuching confirmed on Sunday, saying they are doing the utmost to save the injured workers and cope with the aftermath.

According to the officials, the injured workers were sent to two hospitals after the accidents on Friday. Among the 13, one is in critical condition, 3 has been discharged from the hospitals.

Mat Jusoh Mohamad, Sri Aman district police chief, was quoted by the National News Agency Bernama as saying that the three workers, aged 50, 49 and 43 respectively, died of suspected smoke inhalation.

He said initial investigation revealed that they were among a team who had gone inside the tunnel of the mine, which is?located in Abok of Sri Aman district, to assess if it was safe for the workers to resume operation after the fire was first detected in the morning.