Three arrested for SW China coal mine flood that killed 13

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-26 14:38

GUIYANG -- Three people have been arrested in relation to a coal mine flooding accident that killed 13 miners in southwest China's Guizhou Province, local police said Thursday.

The detainees are Zhang Ping, legal representative of the Baiyanglin mine, Li Gaoguo, a deputy head in charge of production, and Zhang Wenbin, an official in charge of safety.

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The flood occurred on December 31, 2008 when 20 people were working underground. Seven escaped but 13 others were trapped. They were formally pronounced dead February 20.

Preliminary investigations found the mine in Anshun City, with a capacity of 30,000 tonnes a year, was under renovation. It had no work safety certificate and the production permit had expired.

In September and December 2008, local authorities ordered the mine to stop production, but it continued.

Local police did not say when the arrests occurred or what the men will be charged with.