Ma Zhongguo, owner of the mine in Yongdeng County in Lanzhou City, had reported a total of five workers died of carbon dioxide poisoning, but the exact number of deaths proved to be 19, according to local police.

An investigation group was sent to the spot immediately after the disaster and discovered the truth from local people on Jun. 22.

Ma surrendered to the investigation group later, admitting he had covered up 14 deaths by giving 73,000 yuan (US$8,795) to the relatives of each dead miner in exchange for their silence.

Further investigations are still underway.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2003)