Bodies of miners killed in Hunan gas blast found

The bodies of all seven miners reported missing following a gas explosion at a coal mine in Lianyuan, Hunan province, have been found, local authorities said on Thursday.

Another miner injured in the August 14 accident was recovering well after receiving hospital treatment, with the search and rescue operation now concluded.

Police have acted against six people initially held responsible for the accident, including the mine's controller and its work safety chief, while authorities said investigations into the cause and determining responsibility are continuing.

The gas explosion occurred shortly after 5 am on Aug 14 at the Yangmeishan Coal Mine in Lianyuan. A total of 52 people were working underground at the time, with 44 safely exiting the mine in addition to the seven now confirmed dead and the one injury.