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North China mud-rock flow death toll rises to 56
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-09 23:52

Rescuers search for survivors at the mudslide area in Xiangfen County, North China's Shanxi Province, September 9, 2008. [Xinhua] 

Witness said the flow roared down the valley and washed away the market and houses in a few minutes.

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An initial investigation revealed the accident's cause was "the unlicensed Tashan mine operated illegally and the stored waste iron ore dregs had surpassed the capacity of the holding pond," said the rescue headquarters.

Police said the mine owner and eight others related to the accident were detained. Several officials, including the local head of the work safety administration, village Party secretary and village chief have been sacked for failing to supervise safety.

There are several other ore mines in Xiangfen. The staff there are mostly migrant workers from Shanxi, Chongqing and the central Hubei Province, which makes it difficult to identify the victims, rescuers said.

The State Council, or China's cabinet, is going to start investigation into the cause of the accident soon.

The specific number of people trapped underneath the rubble is still under investigation.