Preliminary Probe Cites Negligence for Fatal Mine Blast

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, June 24, 2002

Preliminary Probe Cites Negligence for Fatal Mine Blast

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A government team investigating Thursday's fatal gas explosion which killed more than 100 people at a coal mine in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, said on Sunday that the accidental blast was due to negligence.

Huang Yi, spokesman for the state safety production supervision administration, said at a press conference here on Sunday that further investigations were still ongoing. But according to evidence so far the accident at the Chengzihe Mine in Jixi city could be blamed on the inadequate worksite security and negligent management of the mine's ventilation system.

Huang also said that as the investigation had not yet finished, the exact location, source of the fire and direct reasons for the gas explosion could not be confirmed.

He said government departments had called for a nation-wide safety check so that hidden production dangers could be removed in time.

Those small coal mines which did not pass the provincial-level safety check carried out in March this year would be ordered to shut down. Legal action would be taken against those that refused to close the dangerous mines, and their property would be confiscated.

Huang said more than half of China's coal mines were located in gas-intensive areas, therefore preventing gas explosions should be top of the agenda.

But to date, almost all State-owned coal mines suffered from a shortage of capital. Their investment in safety measures lagged far behind expectations.

Lots of equipment in the pits had given extended service for years, and some equipments, although partly broken down, was still being used, Huang said.

Some mine managers were inclined to think production was more important than safety - another reason for the gas explosion, he said.

Last year, the State granted 2 billion yuan (240.97 million US dollars) in safety credits to coal mines. If the capital could be used properly, safety conditions in the country's coal mines would be greatly improved, Huang added.

According to an earlier report, by 7:00 am (Beijing time) on Sunday, all 115 bodies of those killed in the blast had been found and 113 of those had been brought out the pit.

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