104 killed by year´s worst mine blast

The death toll of a coal mine explosion in northeast China's Hei-long-jiang Province climbed to 104. Hundreds of rescue workers are scrambling to locate four trapped miners. An initial investigation shows poor management and inadequate safety precautions are to blame.

A thorough investigation is launched.

An initial investigation indicates the accident started with a gas leak in one of the shafts. As a result of poor ventilation, gas quickly poured into the main tunnel triggering an explosion.

Luo Lin, Head State Administration of Work Safety, said, "Apparently, this is an accident related to poor management. There were more than 500 miners working the midnight shift, and more than a thousand during the day, an unreasonable amount. Inadequate safety is also being blamed for the accident. Related personnel will be severely punished according to law."

A total of five hundred and twenty-eight miners were underground when the explosion occurred on Saturday. Safety officials say the structure of the mine is too complicated for its current ventilation system to work effectively.

Sixty-five people are currently receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals. Most suffering from poison gas inhalation, burns and fractures. Six patients with serious injuries are all in stable condition.

Local officials dispatched 108 teams to the homes of the victims, providing daily necessities.

The All China Federation of Trade Unions is allocating a million Yuan towards a disaster relief fund.

Related:

4 still trapped by mine blast, 104 confirmed dead

Hundreds of rescue workers are scrambling to locate four miners still trapped in the shaft. Vice Premier, Zhang Dejiang, and provincial officials arrived at the site on Saturday shortly after the explosion.

The State Council held a meeting on Monday and organized a thorough investigation into the accident. A sudden gas buildup is believed to have triggered the explosion. The Council also discussed disaster relief work and direct economic losses. Three officials from the state-owned company operating the coal mine have been discharged. The tragedy is China's worst coal mine disaster of the year.

Survived miners recall lead-up to deadly blast

Yan said, "Every miner here is like my brother. I felt so sad about this  accident. But there's nothing we could do to save them."

Yan Xianchun managed to successfully escape. He said every miner was equipped with an emergency oxygen walker. One of Yan's co-worker fell down during the panicked escape. Yan Xianchun tried to use his own oxygen walker to save his fellow miner, but was unsuccessful. Full story >>