Mine Explosion Investigated in China
A State Council investigation team has been formed to investigate the mine explosion in China’s Shanxi Province that killed 105 people.
The gas explosion is believed to be the second deadliest mining disaster of 2007, after 181 miners died when two mines flooded in August, China’s Xinhua News Agency reported.
Ar Li Yizhong, director of the State Administration of Work Safety, is heading the team investigating the blast.
Around 128 miners were working in the shaft during Wednesday’s explosion at the Xinyao Coal Mine.
Li said when mines managers delayed reporting the explosion to local authorities, it lead to only 18 miners being rescued. Four of those rescued were listed in serious condition, added Li.
Police have arrested 35 people who are allegedly connected to or responsible for the fatal blast.