Another mine accident in China takes 11 lives: State media

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has reported that a mining accident in a coal mine killed 11 people on Tuesday (Nov 28) in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang. It has been reported that a violent rock burst was the reason for the mishap. Mining operations can cause a literal explosion of rocks as pressure from rock formations is released.

The blast took place at 3 pm (0700 GMT).

The mine is operated by the Shuangyashan Coal Company. The company has in the past been fined for its violations of safety regulations, said the local media. Shangyou News, a state-backed media outlet, reportedthat in this year alone, the Shuangyashan Coal Company was fined 10 times.

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The media reports did not immediately say whether there were other peoplewho were missing or unaccounted for.

Xinhua has reported that search and rescue work is complete and officials are investigatingthe exact cause of the accident.

China has seen frequent mine accidents. In August this year, another such coal mine explosion killed 11 people in the Shaanxi province. In September, 16 people were killed in a coal mine fire that took place in Guizhou province.In the month of February, a collapse of a coal mine in China's Inner Mongolia region buried dozens of people and vehicles under a mountain of debris.

The authorities did not reveal the actual death toll for months and later claimed in Junethat 53 people had died.

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The Chinese government has repeatedly called for the enforcement of safety standards, but this has resulted inlittle to end the string of accidents.

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According to government figures cited by AFP, a total of 245 people died in 168 mining accidents just last year.

(With inputs from agencies)