WUHAN - Seven people were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to two years, over a fatal colliery accident more than one year ago, a court in central China's Hubei Province said Friday.

A coal and gas outburst occurred in Xinjia Coal Mine in Badong County on Dec. 5, 2016, leaving 11 dead.

According to Badong people's court, local safety bureau expressed concern over the mine's safety procedures before the accident, but the mine continued to operate.

The court found that the mine operators exposed miners to unsafe working conditions.