Humanrights

BEIJING, July 25 -- A record fine of 21.18 million yuan (about 2.55 million US dollars) and an immediate close-down order have been imposed on the Mengnanzhuang Coal Mine in north China's Shanxi province.

The penalty, part of a crack-down on mine safety, was announced in Beijing by Deputy Director Wang Dexue of the State Administration of Work Safety at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on Friday.

On March 22, a severe gas explosion occurred in the coal mine in Xiaoyi city of Luliang prefecture, which killed 72 people, injured four others and caused economic losses of more than 10.35 million yuan (about 1.25 million US dollars).

After four months of thorough investigation, five managers held accountable for the mine's daily operation were charged with crimes and 18 officials with the Luliang prefectural government were brought to justice in line with the disciplines of the Communist Party of China and the rules for government functionaries.

Wang called on coal mining managerial authorities across the country and governmental institutions to draw lessons from the case and keep alert to the problems that may threaten the safety of miners and other related workers.

He noted that 487,402 accidents of various kinds occurred in China from January to June this year, about 64,000 less than in the same period of last year, causing a total death toll of 60,292, some 4,346 less than the same period of last year.

BEIJING, July 25 -- A total of 60,292 people were killed in various accidents in China in the first half of the year, officials said Friday.

Deputy Director of the State Administration of Work Safety Wang Dexue told a press conference held by the State Council Information Office that the number of people killed in accidents was 4,346 less than in the corresponding period of last year.

Wang said a total of 487,402 accidents happened during the first half of the year, 64,000 less than in the corresponding period of last year.

From Xinhuanet