19 punished for deadly mine accident

Nineteen officials, including the mayor and vice-mayor of Dengta, a city in Liaoning province, were punished for a deadly coal mine accident, Liaoning Daily reported on Thursday.

Li Jingda, mayor of Dengta city, and Zhang Hongwei, vice-mayor of the city, are both subject to removal from their posts by provincial disciplinary authorities.

Seven people found to be responsible for the accident have been detained and will possibly face criminal charges.

On Tuesday, a blast occurred at the Dahuang No 2 Coal Mine in Liaoyang, a city in Liaoning province, killing 22 miners and causing more than 19 million yuan ($3 million) in losses.