The Chinese government has launched a “relentless” investigation into the explosion that killed at least 90 people at a coal mine in the northeastern part of the country, promising to “severely” punish those responsible, the official Xinhua news agency reported today.
“In response to the gas explosion that occurred at the Liushengyu coal mine, owned by Shanxi Tongzhou Group, the accident investigation team of the State Affairs Council will conduct a thorough and relentless investigation,” the agency said.
“Those responsible will be severely punished in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” the statement added.
In addition, the Chinese government has ordered a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining operations.
“All relevant regions and authorities pledged to carry out wide-scale crackdown operations against illegal activities, investigate and impose strict penalties” against those responsible, Xinhua explained.
This is the worst mine accident in the country in 17 years. A total of 247 miners were working underground at the Luscheng mine when the explosion occurred last night. According to state television network CCTV, at least 90 workers were killed and 123 others were rushed to hospital for assistance, four of whom are in serious or critical condition.
Rescue and first aid services have deployed 755 of their members to the scene to assist in the operations.
Wang Yong, a worker injured in the crash, told CCTV he saw “a cloud of smoke” and smelled sulphur. Before he lost consciousness, he recalled seeing people choking on the smoke.
