Death toll in mine blast rises to 30 in NW China
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-05-01 20:01
Death toll rose to 30 and two others remain missing in a coal mine gas
explosion in Yan'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, with three more
bodies recovered on Monday, according to the rescue headquarters.
The gas blast happened at 4:20 p.m. Saturday in Wayaobao Township Coal Mine
in Zichang County of Yan'an when 39 miners were working underground. Seven
miners managed to escape to the ground.
Rescue operation is carried out tensely. An 8-member team led by Wang Shuhe,
deputy director of the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety, arrived at the
site of the accident to direct the rescue efforts.
An investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.
Wayaobao Township Coal Mine, about four kilometers away from the seat of
Zichang County, is a legal, privately invested coal production entity with an
annual production capacity of 30,000 tons.
After the gas explosion, Shaanxi provincial government urged a checkup on all
the province's coal mines in a bid to prevent possible accidents.
The local police have detained owner of the coal mine and other managerial
staff.
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