China punishes local officials after mining accidents

Chinese authorities have taken action against 13 officials and managers deemed responsible for two deadly mining accidents in central Henan province this week, AFP reported. A gas explosion at a coal mine on Tuesday in Pingdingshan city killed 44 and trapped 35 underground. On Wednesday, 13 people, including both coal miners and rescue workers, were killed when a fire broke out at a gold mine in Sanmenxia city. Officials in both cities have been detained or sacked as a result. According to government data, more than 3,200 workers died in collieries last year, but independent analysts say the figures are probably much higher as many accidents are covered up in order to prevent mine shutdowns.