TAIYUAN -- Eight local government officials have been given probationary
sentences ranging from eight months to three years after being found guilty of
neglecting their duty in a coal mine accident that claimed 56 lives in north
China's Shanxi Province in May this year.
If they
break the law during the probationary period, they will be liable to serve
prison sentences ranging from six months to two years.
The officials include three officials from local work safety authorities, two
from land and resources authorities and three local township government
officials.
The ruling was handed down on Tuesday by two courts in Datong and Lingqiu
counties, Shanxi Province.
Xinjing Coal Mine in Zhangjiachang Township, Zuoyun County was flooded on May
18, leading to the deaths of 56 trapped miners.
