An investigation into a fatal coal mine explosion that killed 82 people has led to the probe of Zhang Heping, deputy director of the provincial department of emergency management, for "serious violations of discipline and law."
The investigation into a senior official highlights the Chinese government's response to major industrial accidents and its ongoing efforts to combat corruption and improve workplace safety standards across the country.
A catastrophic coal mine explosion that killed 82 people in northern China has triggered a sweeping anticorruption investigation. Zhang Heping, deputy director of the Shanxi Emergency Management Department, is being investigated for "serious violations of discipline and law," according to the provincial discipline inspection commission. The disaster occurred on May 22 at the Liushenyu Coal Mine, operated by Tongzhou Group, in Qinyuan county. Preliminary investigations exposed systemic safety failures, illegal mining practices, and chronic mismanagement at the site, prompting direct intervention from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who demanded a thorough investigation and rigorous accountability. The announcement was made as the Ministry of Emergency Management launched a month-long round of central workplace safety inspections nationwide.
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