Probe launched into deadly mine blast in north China

Northern China's Shanxi Province on Tuesday set up an investigation team to look into a coal mine gas explosion that killed 15 people and injured nine others on Monday.

A total of 35 miners were working underground at the coal mine owned by Fengyan Group in Pingyao County when the blast occurred at 1:50pm Monday, according to the Shanxi Administration of Coal Mine Safety. Eleven miners managed to escape.

Officials of the team blamed the accident on illegal production and said their investigation will be subject to the supervision of the public and media.

The nine injured miners mainly suffered from trauma and burns. They are in stable condition now, said Wang Guimei, director of the county's health bureau.

The county government has dispatched 15 work teams to deal with the aftermath and compensation for the families of the 15 victims.