Saturday, December 08, 2007

Mining: China arrests 33 after mine disaster

Police in China's northern Shanxi province have detained the managers of a coal mine where a massive explosion claimed the lives of at least 105 people.

Twenty six more bodies were recovered Friday from the mine near the industrial city of Linfen. Officials say they believe more people are still trapped inside.

The explosion happened Wednesday night, but authorities say mine officials did not report the blast for several hours.

It is not clear how many people were inside the mine at the time of the explosion. Police have detained 33 people, suspended the mine's operating license, and frozen its bank accounts.

China's coal mining industry is the most dangerous in the world. More than 4,700 coal miners died last year -- nearly 13 a day. Many accidents are blamed on mine owners who disregard safety rules.