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China Mine Blast Kills 74

Feb. 23, 2009

A Feb. 22 explosion in the Tunlan Coal Mine in China's Shanxi Province killed 74 people and injured more than 100 others. According to media reports, three mining officials were fired following the incident.

Laura Walter

The blast occurred at approximately 2:20 a.m., when a series of gas explosions rocked the mine and killed or trapped dozens of miners. More than 400 miners were working at the time of the explosion. At least 114 were injured in the blast, many suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Xinhua News Agency in China reported that as a result of the blast, three coal mine officials, including the chief of the mine, the engineer-in-chief and a deputy chief in charge of work safety.

Xinhua also reported that the Shanxi Provincial Coal Industry Social Security Bureau set aside 28.06 million yuan ($4.1 million U.S.) as insurance payouts for victims.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.