A gas explosion killed 49 miners in Fengcheng coal mine in east China's Jiangxi Province on Nov. 14. Official statistics show that over 96,000 people have died in 720,000 workplace accidents this year.

loveaye: An accountability mechanism should be introduced as our last defense against disasters resulted from human error. In this case, whoever culpable must be held accountable.  We don't lack qualified people to replace those irresponsible. 

hky: The flames in those sub-standard buildings in Hengyang have barely subsided, the blasts in Fengcheng's coal mines make fresh shock waves. The string of deadly accidents reminds us of the urgent need of fixing the loopholes and death traps that threaten to cripple our ministrative systems. My heart goes all out to the victims and their families.

sanhan: Maintaining coal mine safety is easier said than done... It's impossible for China to import all the coal it needs; but it's possible for the government to close those small and dangerous coal mines in the southeast so as to concentrate on the reserve-rich, more economically efficient mines in the north.    
   
millimetre: In the past, you wouldn't be assailed by so many sad news so often. Well, blame it on the fluid information-swapping channels rather than our eroded awareness of workplace safety.    

hupengeyou: Too many tragic accidents like this...I'm getting numb.

psh123: Jiangxi is notorious for workplace hazards despite mounting attention by local leaders. Once again it proves you can never be too careful.  So stay alert!    

shuizhou: I'm deeply grieved by the great loss of lives in the coal mine nightmare! Who will, after all, take the blame for the accident? We'll wait and see.  
        
xingguanghan: Why no one has ever learned anything from the catastrophies? Where are our social consciences? My deepest sympathy is with the victims' families.

5168632 : (This is but) one of the many sad stories about migrant workers. Perhaps also about mismanagement and corruption. 

zhuxin111: Mining looks like the most dangerous job on the earth. I'd rather till the field than digging for the coal. In the coalmines, everyday brings fresh deaths.

haitunxiehou: Pls. don't blab about corruption when the cause of the accident is still under investigation. I'm working for Fengcheng coalmine.  You can't imagine what the victims' relatives and colleagues are going through. Have more sympathy for them and save the judgement for yourself.