Blizzard kills 15, injures 13 in northwest China

BEIJING - Fifteen people were killed and 13 others were injured after a blizzard in northwestern China, state media said Monday.
More than 70 people working for a subsidiary of the China National Petroleum Corporation were conducting field exploration near the town of Mangya in Qinghai province when the blizzard struck Friday, Xinhua news agency said.
The blizzard coincided with a sandstorm and heavy rain, the news agency said.
The team tried to withdraw immediately, but many members were unable to escape due to the heavy snow, it said. Rescuers were impeded in their efforts by the low visibility in the area.
Fifteen bodies were found on Saturday, Xinhua said, adding that investigations into the deaths were ongoing.

05/16/2005 12:30 GMT