Dozens die in mine blast

2009-11-21 09:28

Beijing - An explosion at a coal mine in northeast China early on Saturday killed at least 31 workers and left 82 trapped, state-run China Central Television (CCTV) said.

The latest deadly incident to hit the industry happened at 02:30 (18:30 GMT Friday) at a mine in Heilongjiang province, according to a statement issued by the State Administration of Work Safety.

A total of 528 miners were working in the pit, near Hegang City, when the blast occurred, the state administration said.

The previous toll given by CCTV was 15 dead and 114 trapped.

The mine is owned by the Heilongjiang Longmay Mining Holding Group, based in provincial capital Harbin.

Xinhua said vice premier Zhang Dejiang was going to the scene of the incident to direct rescue operations. President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao had given instructions on the rescue work.

According to the company's website, in 2009 it was ranked 12th out of the top 100 Chinese mining companies and seventh in terms of production volume, without giving further details.

China has a dismal work safety record, with thousands of people dying every year in mines, factories and on construction sites.

Its coal mines are among the most dangerous in the world, with safety standards often ignored in the quest for profits and the drive to meet surging demand for coal - the source of about 70% of China's energy.

- AFP