ZHENGZHOU, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A coal mine accident that killed 16 people early this year in Pingdingshan, central China's Henan Province, was caused by production malpractices, according to an investigation report released on Friday.
The coal and gas outburst that took place on Jan. 12 at a coal mine operated by Pingdingshan Tianan Coal Mining Co., Ltd. has also injured five others and resulted in direct economic losses of nearly 22 million yuan (about 3 million U.S. dollars), according to the report that was released by the Henan bureau of the National Mine Safety Administration.
The report determined that the accident was a production safety incident caused by the improper excavation of a roadway in the coal mine without eliminating the risk of coal and gas outburst in advance.
Major problems found during the investigation include some entities' rushing to meet deadlines, concealing work areas and the number of personnel entering the mine, falsifying monitoring data and drawings, inadequate safety and technical management, and inadequate assessment of safety risks.
Investigators have put forward recommendations for the handling of 39 responsible individuals and related entities. The disciplinary inspection and supervisory commission of Henan Province gave their proposals on the accountability of Party members and cadres involved in the case. ■