Central China coal transportation accident kills 15

Leiyang (CNS) -- 15 people have died, and three are reported injured in a coal transportation accident at the Hongfa Colliery in Nanyang Township of central China's Hunan Province. The accident occurred at around 0:30 a.m. Thursday. People in charge of the mine have been detained by the police.

The accident was caused when miners were being transported in a tramcar intended only to carry coal, according to a preliminary probe. The colliery, a third level provincial mine, is a legal operation with up-to-date certification and an annual capacity of 60,000 tons.

Provincial and city officials visited the accident site as soon as possible to supervise theprompt rescue efforts and cope with the aftermath. The rescue operation was completed by 5:30, and the three injured delivered to hospital.