Chinese police arrest suspect in fatal landslide

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-22 19:38

XI'AN -- A foreman and No. 2 suspect behind a fatal landslide in the northern Shanxi Province was arrested in the neighboring Shaanxi Province on Sunday, the local authority said on Monday.

Zheng Jiabao, 46, a foreman of the unlicensed Tashan Mine who left the collapsed iron ore retaining pond area with his wife after the accident, was caught in a hotel in his hometown Shanyang County, at 7 a.m. on Sunday, a county public security official said.

Zhang Peiliang, the owner of the mine, had been arrested.

The unlicensed iron ore dregs retaining pond in Xiangfen City burst on September 8, discharging a huge torrent of tailings, mud and rock that devastated a downstream village, an office building and a busy outdoor market.

The death toll from the accident has risen to 265 with several still listed as missing by 5 p.m. on Sunday.

An initial investigation found the collapse was due to negligence. The tailings dumping pond was built in violation of regulations and had few safety inspections.