Three mine disasters kill 78 in China

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-28-2006 10:41

Gas explosions have killed at least 78 people in three coal mines around the country this weekend. All of the mines were operating illegally and police have detained three mine officials in Heilongjiang.

The blast in Yunnan Province in the south killed 32 and injured over two dozen. A similar tragedy occurred in Heilongjiang, leaving 22 dead. Five men are still missing. Recap the Story >>

Shanxi Province in the north, 24 workers are confirmed dead after a gas explosion. Recap the Story >>

In all three cases, the mine owners had continued operations after their licenses had been revoked.

Li Yizhong, Chinese Nat'l Work Safety Chief said, "These mine owners are blinded by greed. They seek money through fraud and deception. And they are challenging the country's work safety law. Like the mine in Yunnan -- it had already been closed down, and yet they dared to continue production, leading to this tragedy. Who's behind these illegal actions?"

The national work safety chief said that the accidents show how localism has impeded efforts to improve safety since the central government ordered the closure or consolidation of small and underdeveloped mines last year.

Li Yizhong,Chinese Nat'l Work Safety Chief said,"The law says all mines with an annual production capacity under 30 thousand tons must be closed. So local governments apply for 40 or 60 thousand tons, for mines that cannot produce that much. Take the mine in Heilongjiang. It was originally said to produce 30 thousand tons, but to avoid consolidation, the local government lied and reported an annual output of 60 thousand."

The State Administration of Coal Mine Safety has launched an investigation. The Heilongjiang provincial authorities have announced the permanent closure of the Yuanhua mine. But more coal is needed to provide warmth in the winter. How many more disasters can we expect in the coming months?

Editor:Du Xiaodan