China's top procuratorate supervises probe into deadly coal mine fire

The Supreme People's Procuratorate announced on Monday its supervision of the investigation and handling of a deadly fire case at a coal company in Lyuliang, Shanxi province, which resulted in 26 deaths and 38 injuries.

The fire started on the morning of Thursday, and local police have initiated an investigation into the case. Shanxi's procuratorial organs have also joined the investigation.

The SPP has ordered local procuratorial organs to fully fulfill their functions, and collaborate with public security organs and other departments to accurately identify the responsibilities of all parties, in order to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the victims.

The local procuratorial organs were also asked to promote safety in production, prevent risks, and eliminate hazards at their source.

The procuratorial authority will continue to intensify the crackdown on criminal offenses that endanger work safety and urge relevant departments to strengthen and improve the supervision of production safety, the SPP said, adding that efforts will be made to detect and handle potential risks at an early stage, ensure the implementation of safety regulations, prevent accidents in advance, and effectively protect the safety of people's lives and property.