Latest News:  

English>>World

Russia launches criminal probe into Siberia coal mine accident

(Xinhua)

16:06, January 21, 2013

MOSCOW, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Investigators have launched a criminal probe into a coal mine accident that killed four miners in Russia's Siberia region on Sunday.

The accident, which occurred at about 2:15 a.m. Moscow time (2215 GMT Saturday) in the Prokopyevsky district of Kemerovo Region, had left four people dead and four others trapped underground, the Emergency Situations Ministry's local branch said.

A criminal investigation was underway on charges of violation of safety rules during mining works, the regional Investigative Committee said.

Law violators could face up to eight years in prison under Russia's Criminal Code, local media reported.

Rescuers discovered the miners' bodies and identified them as shaft miners aged from 27 to 45. They died of smoke inhalation, according to rescuers.

A total of 77 people worked in the tunnel when the accident took place. By 4:55 a.m. local time, 69 miners have been evacuated from the site, emergencies authorities said.

Specialists and experts have determined the location of the four trapped miners. However, a rescue operation was suspended on Sunday Morning for fear of gas explosion regarding the high methane concentration in the tunnels, emergencies officials said.

A regional emergency center was set up in preparation for further rescue and medical efforts.

Meanwhile, families of the coal mine accident victims will receive three million rubles (100,000 U.S. dollars) in aid, regional authorities said.

Methane explosion is a major cause of fatal accidents in Siberian coal-producing regions. In may 2010, two gas blasts at a coal mine near the town of Mezhdurechensk killed 91 people.


We recommend:

Nudists rally for right to bare it all

Unforgettable moments you cannot miss in December

Bloody scenery of shark hunting

Sao Paulo faces hot weather in January

Finland celebrates Epiphany with slide show

Children taking cold-resistant exercise

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:燕勐、姚春)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. WZ-8 armed helicopters in training

  2. UN's equipment verification

  3. Mumbai in lens

  4. Lanterns fly from low to high

  5. Photos: Chinese Style in 2012

  6. They made 2012 warm and beautiful

  7. Characters of 'Journey to the West'

  8. Chinese animation films getting stronger

  9. Most transparent multinationals

  10. Cute animals enjoy thier toys

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. US' dangerous stance
  2. What election means to Israel
  3. Beijing economy expected to grow
  4. London's Great Smog has lessons for Beijing
  5. Top 10 news items for Chinese firms in 2012
  6. Inflation rise 'on the horizon'
  7. Software gives travelers advantage
  8. Will Rahul Gandhi secure a 3rd term in power
  9. U.S. sends wrong signal over Diaoyu Islands issue
  10. Labor shortage hits cities as holiday nears

What’s happening in China

Sanitation worker, environmental protector in city

  1. Beijing population tops 20.69 mln
  2. Evidence may clear inmates jailed 16 years
  3. 'One day, wolves may attack humans'
  4. Drivers buy license plate before the car
  5. Workers assured of wages ahead of festival