 |
|
Front Page | |
World | |
UK | |
UK Politics | |
Business | |
Sci/Tech | |
Health | |
Education | |
Sport | |
Entertainment | |
Talking Point | |
| |
| |
| |
| On Air Feedback Low Graphics Help |
|
Monday, December 7, 1998 Published at 16:44 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Entombed miners survive 27 days
Six miners have survived after being trapped underground for almost a month, according to reports from China.
Officials say the men, entombed by a rockfall, drank water seeping in through the mine shaft and ate their leather belts.
One of the miners was in a coma by the time they were found by rescuers.
The others were suffering from low blood pressure and were unable to speak.
All are now described as being out of danger and are recovering in hospital.
The accident took place at a gypsum mine in Longyao county in Hebei province, close to the Chinese capital, Beijing.
The roof of the mine collapsed, leaving the men trapped 300m from the entrance. It was 27 days before rescuers reached them.
History of danger
The accident was the latest in a series of disasters in China's notoriously dangerous mines.
According to official figures, some 2,000 miners died in accidents last year.
The Chinese government has announced harsh punishments for mine operators who violate safety procedures.
It has pledged tough action to regulate the thousands of small private mines which it says are the worst offenders.
~RS~a~RS~international~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~01~RS~)
|
 Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia |
|
Relevant Stories 18 Nov 97 | Asia-Pacific China's deadly mining industry |
|
Internet Links |
|
China Com (English version] |
|
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. |