18 trapped after coal mine blast
18 December 2008
A gas explosion at the Guaziyan mine in Lianyuan city, central China has resulted in 18 workers being trapped. Another 14 miners escaped after the explosion ripped at approximately 3.15pm, through the shaft while 32 miners were working Wednesday 17th December 2008.
The Lianyuan city government has ordered an investigation into the cause of the blast at the township-owned mine and suspended mining pending safety checks at all coal mines in the area.
Newswire reports suggest China's coal mines are the world's deadliest, with fires, floods and other disasters killing an average of 13 miners a day. Accidents kill an estimated 10,000 people annually in Chinese mines. The accidents are often triggered by outdated equipment and poor safety measures with many occurring at illegal mines.
The mine has a annual capacity of 30,000 tons. The Guaziyan colliery opened in 1997 has a licensed annual capacity of 30,000 tons of coal but has sought to double this level.