Coal mine blast death toll reaches 108

The death toll from the coal mine blast in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang has been confirmed as 108, after the last four bodies were retrieved.

The main focus has shifted from the rescue operation to identification and compensation. Relatives of the victims have two options. They can have compensation paid in a lump sum of about 300 thousand yuan, or receive the money on a monthly basis. So far, relatives of 18 victims have signed compensation agreements with the mining company. The money will be paid within a week. Investigators blame poor management and inadequate safety precautions for Saturday's accident at the Xinxing mine.