KUNMING -- Twenty-one civil servants face punishment for a 2024 coal mine accident that killed six people in Southwest China's Yunnan province, according to the provincial mine safety authority.

According to an investigation report that was recently released by the Yunnan branch of the National Mine Safety Administration, a coal and gas outburst occurred at the Goutou Coal Mine in Weixin county of Yunnan at 5:35 am on Aug 18, 2024, resulting in six fatalities and one injury, as well as about 10.7 million yuan (about $1.53 million) in direct economic losses.

The investigation determined that the incident was caused by the reckless operation of the coal mine in violation of laws and regulations, the failure of relevant mine safety watchdogs to perform their duties diligently, as well as inadequate supervision by local authorities.

The accident investigation team has recommended that 40 individuals be held accountable. Its proposals include transferring the cases of 10 people -- including the coal mine's legal representative, general manager and mine manager -- to judicial authorities in accordance with the law, and referring 21 local civil servants to disciplinary inspection and supervisory authorities to face accountability measures.

The report also notes that the coal mine has been fined 6 million yuan and placed on a list of seriously discredited entities.