Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday urged the Chinese Embassy in Turkey to properly handle the deaths of five Chinese miners in a Turkish coal mine gas explosion.

On Tuesday morning local time, an explosion occurred in a coal mine in Zonguldak Province in northern Turkey, killing five Chinese miners working there.

Premier Wen attached high importance to the issue and also asked the embassy to send his condolences.

Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan also gave instructions to properly handle the issue.

According to the Foreign Ministry, personnel from the Chinese Embassy in Turkey arrived at the scene immediately after getting news of the blast to handle the situation. Identities of the victims have been confirmed.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2004)