![]() | This article needs to be updated. The reason given is: This article has had no substantial updates since rescue efforts were still ongoing.(July 2021) |
Date | August 29, 2012 |
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Time | 18:00 CST |
Location | Panzhihua, Sichuan, China |
Deaths | 46 dead |
The Xiaojiawan coal mine disaster was a mining accident which happened on 29 August 2012 at the Xiaojiawan coal mine (Chinese: 肖家湾煤矿), located in Panzhihua in Sichuan Province, China. It was the deadliest mine accident since the 2009 Heilongjiang mine explosion. As a result of a gas explosion in the Xiaojiawan coal mine, at least 46 miners were killed.[1] 51 were sent to hospital with seven in critical condition.[2] It was reported that 16 miners died from carbon monoxide poisoning, while three others died in hospital.[3]
At the moment of explosion there were 154 miners working at the mine.[3] The shaft of the mine was severely destroyed.[4] As of 30 August 2012, more than 300 rescuers have taken part in the rescue operation.[4] Rescue operations are complicated due to high temperatures reaching 90 °C (194 °F).[4][2]
The Xiaojiawan coal mine is an integrated coal mine with an annual output of 90,000 metric tons (89,000 long tons; 99,000 short tons) of coal. Its trial run started in March 2011. In December 2011, it gained a safety license.[5] The mine is owned by Zhengjin Industry and Trade Co. Ltd. Three owners of the mine were detained for investigation.[4][3]