An old story: Yet another mine tragedy in yet another illegally operated mine run by officials in China's coal mining heartland of Shanxi Province.
Seventeen miners were confirmed dead and two others injured in a gas explosion on Tuesday in north China's Shanxi Province, local coal mine safety officials said yesterday.
The mine was operated by the local government and six executives - who ignored safety orders to halt operations - are in custody; bank accounts have been frozen.
In the first seven months of this year, the province reported 90 coal mine accidents that claimed 316 lives.
The accident, which investigators said was caused by gas combustion, occurred at midday on Tuesday in a pit of the Zhike Township Coal Mine.
Twenty-six miners were working underground, only nine of whom survived.
Rescuers said most victims were burned or suffocated to death.
The mine had been ordered to suspend operations for safety reasons but its owners resumed operation on Monday, the day before the accident.
(Xinhua)