Hunan mine conceals explosion death toll: report

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A coal mine company concealed the death toll in a coal-and-gas explosion in central China's Hunan Province in July, according to an investigation report released on Wednesday by the Provincial Committee of Work Safety.

The explosion occurred around 6 p.m. on July 24th at Gongsheng Coal Mine in Wentang Town of Xinhua County.

The coal mine owner only reported two deaths and simulated the scene to avoid investigation while the real death toll amounted to eight. And the owner didn't report the accident on time, said the report.

According to the investigation, the Hunan provincial government ordered a verification of the casualty number after receiving a tip-off saying the company concealed the real figure.

The investigation result showed that eight of 18 miners working in the coal mine when the explosion happened were killed.

The mine was closed, and the owner is in police custody. Relevant authorities were suspended.

Further investigation is still under way.

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