China: At least 25 dead after fire in mining company
The number of people killed in a fire in the building of a coal mining company in the north-western Chinese province of Shanxi has risen to at least 25.
According to reports, more than 60 people were brought to safety during the rescue work, the majority of whom were taken to hospital. According to the authorities, the fire is now under control. However, rescue work is still underway.
The exact cause of the fire was initially unclear. Chinese state media reported that the fire broke out on the second floor of a five-storey building in the city of Lüliang in the early hours of the morning. According to the authorities, the exact number of victims is still being determined.
Working conditions in China's mining industry are considered extremely dangerous. According to official figures, there were 518 accidents in mines last year. The world's second largest economy is a major global coal producer.
The fire in the coal mining company could potentially be linked to poor safety measures prevalent in the mining industry. Despite the fire being under control, emergency services continue to work to ascertain the total number of victims affected by the fires.
Source: www.dpa.com
