THE Work Safety Committee of the State Council yesterday summoned the provincial government of East China’s Shandong Province in the wake of a deadly gold mine accident that has killed 10 people.

The State Council committee has decided to supervise the investigation behind the cause of the accident. The deputy director of the National Mine Safety Administration has been sent to Shandong to lead a thorough investigation.

The committee will probe into reasons and officials responsible for delaying information about the accident. It will also explain the reasons behind the accident to the family members of the victims and the society.

The committee also pointed out that the coverup of the accident had delayed the search and rescue operation, and this reflects the local government’s failure to regulate the mining industry.

The Party chief and the mayor of the city of Qixia, where the gold mine is located, were sacked Jan. 15.

The police detained eleven managers of Shandong Wucailong Investment Co. Ltd., the mine owner, for reporting the accident late.

On Jan. 10, the gold mine collapsed at 2 p.m. in Xicheng Township of Qixia. One person is still missing, and 11 have been rescued after being trapped in the collapsed mine for two weeks.

Now, the freed miners are recovering in local hospitals. Two of them are in poor condition but out of danger.

Qin Chengyong, head of the medical team, revealed a customized treatment plan. “We have assigned medical teams to the rescued miners and given them special care. We have experts to monitor their sleep, mood and psychological state, and provide counseling. They’re now feeling much more secure.”

(CGTN)