Production suspended after mine explosion in Heilongjiang
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-05-15 20:37

Production has been suspended and a thorough examination is underway on all the mines in Qitaihe City, Heilongjiang Province, following Thursday's explosion that left 12 workers dead and three others injured, officials said Saturday.

The blast occurred at 11 p.m. Thursday at the second mining area of Xinxing Coal Mine when 50 people were working at the scene. Thirty-eight miners were rescued, according to the provincial administration of coal mine safety supervision.

Preliminary investigation showed the accident might be caused by coal dust explosion, said an official with the administration.