A total of 43 individuals should be punished for their roles in a deadly coal mine accident and subsequent cover-up in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, an investigation report revealed Thursday.

The accident occurred on Dec. 20, 2023, in the Kunyuan coal mine in the city of Jixi, leaving 12 dead and 13 others injured.

The accident resulted from illegal mining using improper equipment with damaged wires, which snapped under overload conditions while workers illegally rode cargo trains, according to the report released by the investigation team organized by the provincial government.

Following the accident, the mine operator deliberately concealed it, hid the victims' bodies, and destroyed evidence instead of reporting promptly. Emergency response was also mishandled, it added.

The report revealed that judicial authorities as well as discipline inspection and supervision bodies have taken action against 14 individuals, while 29 others face recommended Party disciplinary or administrative penalties.

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