13 under compulsory measures over deadly fire in North China

TAIYUAN -- Compulsory measures have been taken against 13 individuals following a fire at a coal mine company building that left 26 dead and 38 injured in North China's Shanxi province, according to a press conference held by the provincial government on Friday.

The 13 individuals include the actual controller and other executives of the company, officials said.

Lian Yuesheng, deputy director of the provincial health commission, said seven of the injured are in severe but not life-threatening conditions.

The fire broke out on Thursday morning in Lishi district of Lyuliang city. The building belongs to the private Yongju coal mine company. The on-site rescue operation ended at 1:45 pm on Thursday.

In China, compulsory measures can include arrest, detention, the issuance of summonses, the enforcement of bail pending trial, or residential surveillance.