46 held accountable for coal mine explosion causing 11 deaths in Heilongjiang

Severe illegal operations, chaotic safety management and inadequate safety supervision by the parent company led to the coal mine explosion in Shuangyashan city, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province last November which killed 11 people and injured six, with 46 individuals held accountable. 

The major coal mine explosion at the Shuangyang coal mine belonging to Heilongjiang Longmei Shuangyashan Mining Co occurred at around 12:37 pm on November 28, 2023, resulting in 11 deaths, six injured, and economic losses totaling 19.51 million yuan ($2.69 million), China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday, citing Heilongjiang Bureau of the National Mine Safety Administration. 

An investigation team was established on November 29 with provincial government approval. The investigation team concluded the explosion was caused by illegal operations, chaotic safety management and inadequate supervision. 

It was determined that the direct cause of the accident was the Shuangyang coal mine illegally venting gas, which led to gas accumulating to explosive levels. A spark generated by a defective cable ignited the explosion.

The investigation team proposed penalties against 46 responsible individuals and related units. The Heilongjiang provincial discipline inspection commission and supervision commission proposed accountability measures for personnel under supervisory and Party members. 

Five people are under compulsory measures by public security authorities and one person has been placed under investigation. Termination of labor contract was proposed to one mechanical and electrical maintainer, while Party disciplinary or administrative penalties were proposed for 38 individuals, including the head of the mine.

Additionally, the team leader of the gas ventilation team at the ventilation district at the Shuangyang coal mine, who died in the accident, was recommended for exemption from accountability.