Safety violations found after deadly China coal mine blast
BEIJING — Regulators found several safety violations in a coal mine in western China where 33 people died this week after being trapped underground in a gas explosion.
China’s State Administration of Work Safety said Wednesday the mine in the municipality of Chongqing was using outdated equipment and miners were sent more than 100 metres (328 feet) beyond the approved drilling area, causing gas to accumulate.
Only two miners were able to escape Monday’s blast.
Gas explosions inside mines are often caused when a flame or electrical spark ignites gas leaking from the coal seam. Ventilation systems are supposed to prevent gas from becoming trapped.