Shanxi official investigated over deadly coal mine explosion

Cui Ruijun, an official from the Shanxi branch of the National Mine Safety Administration, is under investigation in connection with a deadly coal mine gas explosion, the provincial anti-corruption watchdog announced on Thursday.

The investigation was disclosed online by the Shanxi Provincial Commission of Supervision, noting that Cui, head of the branch’s eighth supervision and law enforcement office, is suspected of severe violations of national laws. The case relates to the blast at Liushenyu Coal Mine, operated by the Shanxi Tongzhou Group in Qinyuan County, Changzhi.

No further details were released.

The explosion occurred at 7:29 pm on May 22, killing 82 people, leaving two missing, and injuring 128 others. The State Council, China’s cabinet, quickly established an investigation team to look into the incident.

Before Cui’s investigation, several other officials were also placed under scrutiny in connection with the explosion. At the end of June, Li Dingfu, former Party secretary of Qinyuan county, voluntarily surrendered and is being investigated for alleged serious violations of Party discipline and the law.

On June 10, Zhang Heping, deputy head of the Shanxi Provincial Department of Emergency Management, was investigated for suspected severe violations of Party discipline and the law. Zhang previously served as head of the Changzhi Coal Industry Bureau and vice-mayor of Changzhi.

At the beginning of June, Zhao Yongjin, then Party chief of Qinyuan County, was put under disciplinary review and supervisory investigation by the provincial anti-corruption authorities.

The authorities have pledged a thorough investigation into the cause of the blast and the respective responsibilities of the company, local administrators, and industry regulators.