Punish officials for falsifying accident's death toll

ON TUESDAY, A GAS EXPLOSION in a coal mine in Lianyuan county in Hunan province, Central China, killed nine people according to the local authorities. However, there were actually 10 victims and the Lianyuan officials sought to hide the fact. Xinhuanet comments:

Why did the Lianyuan officials try to hide the death of one victim? The answer lies in the classification of accidents. According to a regulation of the State Council, China's Cabinet, an accident that involves less than 10 deaths is called a "serious" accident and one that involves 10 to 30 deaths is called a "major" accident. The latter will be investigated by the higher authorities and the officials responsible face greater penalties.

That's why the officials in the county tried to report fewer casualties in the accident, as they hoped to escape serious punishment. Such an act violates the law about government transparency, and is a kind of corruption because the officials are using their power in hand to protect their interests.