(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-09 16:33

Taiyuan -- A State Council investigation team confirmed on Sunday that 105 people died in the coal mine gas blast in Hongtong County of North China's Shanxi Province.

Headed by Li Yizhong, director of the State Administration of Work Safety, the investigation team was formed at 9 am Sunday.

The gas explosion occurred at 11:15 pm Wednesday at Xinyao Coal Mine, a village-run coal firm in Hongtong County, Linfen City, while 128 miners were working in the shaft.

According to Li, the colliery managers delayed reporting the accident to local authorities while sending another 37 workers down to the shaft for rescue operations. In this way, the mine let slip the first opportunity for rescue efforts.

In addition, the mine owner and other chief executives escaped after the accident, causing great difficulties for rescue operation.

Police have so far detained 33 people who are alleged to be relevant to or responsible for the fatal gas explosion.

Among those detained were the mine's manager Gao Jianmin, Wang Hongliang, the mine's legal representative. The mine's license has been sealed and its bank accounts frozen.

The accident is believed to be the nation's second deadliest mining disaster so far this year. In August, 181 miners died when heavy rains flooded two mines in eastern Shandong Province.