Coal mine gas explosion kills 11
27 October 2011
Five officials have been removed from their posts after a coal mine gas explosion killed 11 people and injured two in northwest China's Shaanxi Province earlier this month.
The officials, who were either in charge of the coal mine industry or workplace safety, were blamed of negligence that caused the blast, the city government of Tongchuan has said.
Among them was Ren Baolou, Chief of the city's coal mine administration, and four local officials from Yaozhou District, where the explosion happened.
Apparently, 21 miners were working in the pit when the blast occurred at Tianyu Coal Mine in Zhaojin Township of Yaozhou District. Of the 10 people who survived, two suffered slight injuries.
Family members of the victims are still in Tongchuan to negotiate compensation deals.