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26 confirmed dead in accident in C China tin ore mine

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-08 20:23

CHANGSHA: Twenty-six miners were confirmed dead as two lifters in a tin ore mine in central China's Hunan Province lost control, according to rescuers on Thursday.

Rescuers said that 19 miners were killed on the spot, and seven others failed emergency treatment.

Related readings:  Gas poisoning kills five in N China gold mine  Coal mine toll at 44; 35 still trapped  13 trapped in gold mine fire in central China  Coal mine blast kills 35 in Henan, 44 missing  Three die in ore mine collapse in eastern China

There were 31 miners in the two lifters, which plunged because of brake failure at about 9:15 am. Five workers were injured in the accident, said the rescuers.

The tin ore mine in Lengshuijiang City is operated by the Shanxing Antimony Industry Co. Ltd.

Chen Zhaoxiong, vice governor of the province, is at the scene overseeing the effort to deal with the aftermath of the accident.

Investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

The provincial government has ordered an immediate check of  workplace safety throughout the province.