11 killed in accident at northeast China coal mine: CCTV

Eleven people died in an accident at a coal mine in China's northeastern Heilongjiang province on Tuesday, state media outlet CCTV said.

The rescue operation for the 21 trapped workers at the Shuangyang coal mine in Heilongjiang province, China, has concluded, with all 21 miners confirmed dead. The tragic incident was triggered by a rock burst, a phenomenon that occurs when pent-up energy stored in rock causes a violent fracture. The accident highlights the ongoing safety challenges in China's coal mining industry, despite repeated government calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards.

The incident took place at the Shuangyang coal mine, operated by Heilongjiang Longmei Shuangyashan Mining Co, at around 3 p.m. local time. The initial investigation points to a rock burst as the likely cause, but further investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances leading to the incident.

Rock bursts are known to be sudden and violent events in underground mining, posing significant risks to miners and infrastructure. The release of stored energy within the rock can result in fractures and collapses, leading to life-threatening situations for workers.

China has witnessed a series of deadly accidents in its coal mines throughout the year, underscoring the persistent challenges in maintaining safety standards. Despite government initiatives to enhance safety practices, including increased inspections and stricter regulations, accidents continue to occur.

The tragedy at the Shuangyang coal mine emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to improve safety measures and emergency response procedures in the mining sector. The loss of lives in such incidents underscores the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to prevent accidents and protect the well-being of miners.