Probe into Shanxi Coal Mine Explosion Widens, 3 Emergency Management Officials Investigated

(CNA, Taipei, 7th) Following the most severe mining disaster in China in 17 years in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, in May, and after Zhao Yongjin, the Party Secretary of Qinyuan County, was investigated, three more officials from the emergency management system are now under investigation.

According to a post today from the "Changzhi Qinglian" WeChat official account, Sun Xiaoye, the Party Secretary, Director of the Qinyuan County Emergency Management Bureau in Changzhi City, and Captain of the Emergency Management Comprehensive Administrative Enforcement Team, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and supervisory investigation by the Shangdang District Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision in Changzhi City.

Yue Xiaodong, a member of the Party Committee of the Qinyuan County Emergency Management Bureau and Deputy Captain (responsible for daily work) of the Emergency Management Comprehensive Administrative Enforcement Team, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and supervisory investigation by the Qinxian Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision.

Zhang Qian, Captain of the First Enforcement Team of the Qinyuan County Emergency Management Comprehensive Administrative Enforcement Team, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and supervisory investigation by the Huguan County Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision.

Prior to this, the website of the Shanxi Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision reported on the 2nd that Zhao Yongjin, Party Secretary of Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, was suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and was currently undergoing disciplinary review and supervisory investigation by the provincial commission.

A serious gas explosion occurred on May 22 at the Tongzhou Group coal mine in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, causing at least 82 deaths. Chinese President Xi Jinping had issued instructions, demanding all-out search and rescue efforts, an investigation into the cause of the accident, and strict accountability in accordance with the law.