Shanxi releases investigation report on coal silo collapse that killed 7

Six people responsible for a coal silo collapse in Shanxi province earlier this year have been detained, according to a recent investigation report by Shanxi's national mine safety authority, chinanews.com reported on Monday.

The incident occurred in March in Zhongyang county, Lyuliang city of Shanxi province, leading to seven deaths, two injuries and a direct economic loss of 16.46 million yuan ($2.24 million). The incident was attributed to improper handling of blockages, the chinanews.com report said.

According to the investigation report from the Shanxi Bureau of the National Mine Safety Administration, a mixture of oversized mudstone fragments and production water blocked the silo. Neglecting the rules of operation, workers attempted to clear the blockage by flushing it with water, which triggered a collapse. The deluge destroyed the coal feeder and operation platform, burying seven workers.

Nine workers — more than the permitted number — were on the coal feeder platform when the incident happened.

The investigation also identified flaws in the silo's design and management, insufficient risk assessment measures and weak oversight by authorities as contributing factors.

Six individuals from the company, including the mine director, have been placed under criminal detention by police for alleged negligence leading to the accident. Additionally, 15 others, including local government and regulatory officials, face disciplinary actions or administrative penalties.

The mining company, Taoyuan Xinlong Coal Industrial Corporation, has been fined 4 million yuan for the incident.

Liu Boqian contributed to this story.