Coal Mine Owners Sentenced After Fatal Gas Explosion

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, March 02, 2002

Coal Mine Owners Sentenced After Fatal Gas Explosion

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Two coal mine owners found responsible for a gas explosion which killed 25 people were sentenced to seven years and three years in prison at the first trial, sources with the Yunnan Provincial Higher People's Court said Friday.

Those killed in the explosion and 10 others who were injured in the accident were working underground when a short circuit caused the gas explosion which occurred in January in Wenshan County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The unlicensed coal mine was owned by Yu Xinghong, a villager from Shuijie Village, Dehou Township.

Yu and his wife were accused of illegally hiring fellow villagers to work the mine which was officially closed as it had not passed safety regulations.

Yu argued in the People's Court of Wenshan that he should not have to take full responsibility because the mine was only partially closed. He also added that he had warned workers of safety issues before they began working and the case was not solely his business.

His wife Dai Zhengcui argued that the coal pit was managed by her husband and she should not be implicated.

However, the court ruled that as neither of the accused was able to show proof of their allegations both should be charged with accidental death caused by criminal negligence.

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