Fifteen executives punished over mine accident

Fifteen executives have been punished over a fatal mine accident in southwest China's Sichuan province, the provincial administration of coal mine safety announced on Wednesday.

Seven rescue team members were killed in a gas explosion at Shamushu Coal Mine, which is owned by Sichuan Coal Group Furong Company, in Gongxian County on the evening of July 23.

Managers on site failed to take precautionary measures after an explosion at the same colliery in the morning that day, according to investigators.

The executives received punishments that included removal from executive and Communist Party of China posts, fines and warnings.

The company's deputy general manager Li Ziquan and chief engineer Huang Ziming are currently under investigation on suspicion of abuse of power.

The explosion incurred direct economic losses of 10.46 million yuan (1.72 million US dollars).