Compensation for mine blast victims

The Xinxing Coal Mine in Hegang City, Helongjiang Province, has begun compensation discussions with victims' families from Saturday's mine blast.

The spokesman of the Xinxing Coal Mine says all miners are regular workers of the company with industrial injury insurances. He says the company will compensate each of the victim families according to their living conditions. Saturday morning's blast started with a gas leak and has claimed 104 lives so far.

Officials and investigators have blamed poor management and inadequate safety precautions for the accident. Rescue work continues for four missing miners. The provincial health authority has sent psychologists to provide counseling.

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