The head of the Sichuan Provincial Petroleum Administration, Chen Yingquan, has been removed from his post. Authorities hold that by virtue of his position, he must take the blame for the gas explosion in Kaixian County on December 23, 2003, that claimed 233 lives and caused serious damage to property.

Chen Geng, president of China National Petroleum Corporation, made the announcement Wednesday, adding that, "The decision has been made in accordance with the request of the State Council."

In the wake of the tragedy, the central government sent a team of investigators to Chongqing and requested that the petroleum giant "draw a lesson from the disaster" and penalize officials that were held responsible for the accident.

Liao Yongyuan, a CNPC executive, has replaced Chen as head of the Sichuan Provincial Petroleum Administration.

The administration provides technological, engineering, production and other auxiliary services in petroleum exploration and development in the oil-rich Sichuan Basin.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2004)