Safety official under investigation in connection with Shanxi mine explosion

A mine safety official in North China's Shanxi province is under investigation for alleged serious violations of law in connection with a deadly coal mine accident, the provincial anti-corruption watchdog announced on Saturday.

Li Haichao, an official with the eighth supervision and law enforcement division of the Shanxi Branch of the National Mine Safety Administration, is being investigated by the Shanxi Provincial Commission of Supervision.

The investigation, which was disclosed online, is linked to an explosion at Liushenyu Coal Mine, operated by Shanxi Tongzhou Group in Qinyuan county, Changzhi, according to a statement released by the provincial discipline inspection and supervisory authorities.

The explosion occurred on May 22, killing 82 people, leaving two missing, and injuring 128 others.