Miners injured in the accident receive treatment in a hospital in north China's Shanxi Province Feb. 23, 2009. [Gao Xueyu/Xinhua]

Authorities say the next step is to double check the bottom of the well to prevent secondary disasters, and gather data for the investigation.

Preliminary examinations confirmed that massive gas explosions caused the accident. The mine's manager, chief safety officer and chief engineer have been sacked. Their names were not disclosed.

Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang has been at the site, directing the rescue operation and consoling the injured miners and families of the victims. He delivered messages from the President and the Premier, calling for medical care, a thorough investigation, and the prevention of potential work safety problems.

This coal mine in Shanxi has among the best facilities of any mine in China, with no major accidents reported in five years. But the death toll on Sunday was the highest since December 2007.

(CCTV February 24, 2009)