Death toll rises in Sichuan coal mine explosion_美文

Death toll rises in Sichuan coal mine explosion

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The number of people killed in a coal mine accident in China's Sichuan province on Saturday has climbed to 28 after a severely injured miner died when rescue efforts failed, an official said on Sunday.

Work safety authorities have ordered the suspension of operations in all coal mines in the province while an overhaul takes place.

According to Sichuan Provincial Work Safety Bureau, there was a gas explosion at about 2 pm on Saturday in Taozigou coal mine, in Luxian county in the city of Luzhou, when 108 miners were working underground.

By late Saturday night, 81 people were rescued but one died later in hospital.

According to the hospital affiliated with Luzhou Medical College, where theinjured are receiving treatment, most victims suffered burns and fractures. Late last night there were still eight people with severe injuries and 10 with minor injuries in hospital, including three in a critical condition.

"We should draw lessons from the coal mine accident and will launch an investigation into safety levels to ensure people are not at risk of harm at work and to prevent any future similar incidents," said Yang Dongliang, head of the State Administration of Work Safety, on Sunday.

Yang and other officials arrived at the scene for further investigations on Saturday night.

An initial investigation indicated that unauthorized mining was undertaken at the Taozigou coalmine, the administration told a news conference in Luzhou.