The owners of an illegal coal mine in the southwestern province of Yunnan have received jail sentences for causing serious industrial casualties. A gas explosion occurred on 14 January, 2002 at the mine in Wenshan county, killing 25 and injuring another 10 miners.

The owners, who were husband and wife, were convicted of illegal and dangerous operation by the Wenshan County People's Court on 1 March, 2002. They received a seven-year prison term and a three-year suspended sentence respectively.

(Source: Xinhuanet)

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Online: 2002-03-01