Eleven arrested in connection with miners’ deaths

Eleven people involved in a deadly mine accident in Northern China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region have been arrested, local prosecutors said Monday.

The accident occurred at 8:20 am on Feb 23 when a shuttle vehicle carrying miners to work crashed into the side of an underground tunnel after its brakes failed, killing 22 and injuring 28 in a Yinman Mining Company mine in the Xilingol League's West Ujimqin Banner.

Local prosecutors said in a statement that the 11 arrested allegedly committed the crime of "causing a major liability accident", adding the case is still being further processed.

Under the Chinese Criminal Law, the crime means causing several deaths or injuries due to misconduct or violating safety regulations in the workplace.

A preliminary investigation in earlier reports showed that the company illegally bought the vehicle involved online, meaning it did not undergo safety checks, and the company used the vehicle, which was meant for ground transport, underground instead.

The investigation also said the vehicle was designed to carry 30 people at most, but it was overloaded with 50 people when the accident occurred.