Mine owners and local officials are under investigation for their suspected involvement in a cover-up of a coal mine blast that has left 35 people dead.

A cabinet level team has been established to probe the notorious accident in north China's Hebei Province. The head of the investigation team, Peng Jianxun, said the mine owners secretly diverted the bodies of those who died and hid other evidence of the blast in the Lijiawa Coal Mine in Yuxian County on July 14th.

The owners also attempted to keep victims' relatives and journalists quiet by paying them off or intimidation. Complaints from witnesses and the victims' families prompted a central government investigation.

The investigation also revealed some village and county officials were involved in the cover-up. 25 officials have been sacked so far. The investigation team said it would further probe into the accident, handing over suspects to the police.

(CCTV October 28, 2008)