Full probe planned into deadly colliery blasts

BEIJING - The State Council, or the Cabinet, will launch a full investigation into two deadly coal mine gas explosions in Northeast China's Jilin province, the country's work safety watchdog announced Sunday.

The investigation will find out details including who tried to conceal the death toll, the State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) said, adding that those who are responsible will be brought to justice.

Head of the SAWS Yang Dongliang will lead the investigation team.

The death toll from a coal mine gas explosion on March 29 has risen to 36 after seven more deaths were reported by local authorities on Saturday.

The accident occurred in Baishan city in Tonghua Mining Group's Babao Coal Mine.

Another explosion in the same mine on Monday killed six people and injured four others. Another 11 miners remain missing.

So far, a total of 42 deaths have been reported in the two blasts.

Seven principals, including the chairman of Tonghua parent company Jilin Province Coal Industry Group, have been either taken into custody by local police or placed under investigation.