Beijing: Twenty-six workers were killed today
in an accident at a tin mine in central China's Hunan
Province, state media reported.
The official Xinhua news agency quoted rescuers as saying
that 19 miners were killed instantly when two lifts plunged in
the tin ore facility due to a brake failure, while seven
others died later of their injuries.
Five other workers were hurt in the incident, it said.
An investigation was under way and the provincial vice
governor was at the scene of the accident.
China has a notoriously poor record for workplace
accidents.
Its coal mines are among the most dangerous in the world,
with safety standards often ignored in the quest for profits
and the drive to meet surging demand for coal -- the source of
about 70 per cent of China's energy.
Official figures show that more than 3,200 workers died
in collieries last year, but independent labour groups say the
actual figure could be much higher, as many accidents are
covered up in order to avoid costly mine shutdowns.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, October 08, 2009, 19:15