China ? Dozens of anxious relatives and friends of 11 miners trapped underground by an explosion in central China gathered outside the site today while rescuers said they were fighting tons of coal dust to try to reach the workers.

The number of miners confirmed dead rose today by five to 26, state media said, citing a briefing by the rescue headquarters.

China’s crisis happened as the world still was celebrating Chile’s successful rescue of 33 miners trapped for more than two months. Chinese media had detailed coverage as the Chilean men emerged to cheers.

Some in China asked whether their own officials would make as much of an effort in a similar disaster and be just as open about the progress of rescue efforts. The test came quickly for China, whose mining industry is the most dangerous in the world.