Photo: CCTV

Eighteen people have been found dead and one person was rescued following a mine accident in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality that was caused by excessive levels of carbon monoxide, officials said on Saturday.

The accident happened at around 5 pm BJT on Friday in Yongchuan District. Rescue work and an investigation into the cause of the accident are underway.

The Work Safety Committee of China's State Council will supervise the investigation.