SHANXI

16 trapped in coal mine blast, 18 saved

Sixteen people were trapped in a coal mine gas explosion in Pingyao county, Shanxi province, local authorities said on Monday. A preliminary investigation showed that 34 miners were working underground when the blast happened at 1:50 pm on Monday, according to the Shanxi Administration of Coal Mine Safety. So far, 18 people have been saved, five of whom were sent to hospital. Rescue work is underway.

HAINAN

Ex-chair of company accused of bribery

Yang Sitao, former chairman of the largest State-owned agricultural enterprise in Hainan province, was officially charged on Monday for accepting bribes of over 338 million yuan ($48 million). Prosecutors said Yang, former Party secretary and chairman of Hainan State Farms Investment Holding Group, or Haiken Group, used his positions to seek benefits for others. The case was filed at the Hainan No 1 Intermediate People's Court.