Families of 23 deceased miners compensated

GUIYANG - The families of 23 miners killed in last week's coal mine accident in Southwest China's Guizhou province have received compensation, the mining company said Tuesday.

The Guizhou Panjiang Group, which controls the accident-hit Xiangshui Coal Mine, said each of the 23 families received 1.04 million yuan ($163,780) in compensation and the families did not raise objections.

A coal-gas burst occurred in the mine on Saturday morning when 28 miners were working underground. Eighteen miners died on the spot. Five miners survived after being rescued, with one in critical condition, Guizhou provincial authorities said earlier.

An investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched. Initial results show that inadequate safety measures are to blame.

Two mine managers and a chief engineer have been sacked. A deputy general manager of Guizhou Panjiang Group also resigned.