Suspects detained over mine explosion

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China Daily, December 5, 2016
Adjust font size:

People suspected of being responsible for Saturday's coal mine explosion that killed 32 people in Chifeng, in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, have been detained, according to authorities.

Photo taken on Dec. 4, 2016 shows the site of a coal mine accident in Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. There have been 17 fatalities and 10 people remain trapped following an explosion here on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on Dec. 4, 2016 shows the site of a coal mine accident in Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. There have been 17 fatalities and 10 people remain trapped following an explosion here on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua]

In addition, local officials in charge of work safety, as well as supervising officials at the state level responsible for the area, have been suspended from their duties and will be punished depending on the findings of an investigation into the incident, Yang Huanning, minister of the State Administration of Work Safety, said on Sunday.

Work-safety authorities at all levels must reflect deeply and take strong action to ensure the safety of coal mines, he said in an emergency videoconference on Sunday.

Yang urged intensified supervision and enforcement across China in coming months to rule out all potential risks. Local officials will also be held accountable if an incident has serious consequences, he said.

The gas explosion happened at about midday on Saturday at Baoma Mining Co.

There were 181 people working underground at the time of the incident. Of the workers, 149 managed to escape. The remains of the 32 who died were removed by Sunday.

It was the fourth mine explosion in recent months.

On Sept 28, a gas explosion at a mine in Shizuishan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, killed 19 people and left one missing.

On Oct 31, a gas explosion at a mine in Chongqing's Yongchuan district claimed the lives of 33 miners.

On Nov 29, an explosion killed 21 people and left one missing in Qitaihe, Heilongjiang province.

In addition, 74 workers were killed and three were injured after a working platform within a power plant's unfinished cooling tower collapsed on Nov 24.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:    
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter