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China to probe 'Olympic deaths' China crackdown on work accidents
(about 9 hours later)
An inquiry has been launched into reports that at least 10 workers have died during the construction of the new Olympic stadium in Beijing. Dozens of Chinese officials are to be prosecuted or punished over fatal accidents in the workplace - where 100,000 Chinese die each year.
Senior safety official Li Yizhong said those responsible would be punished severely if the reports were true. Works Minister Wang Wei announced that prosecutors would consider cases against 78 managers and officials, and 105 had already been disciplined.
The claims were made by UK newspaper the Sunday Times, citing unnamed witnesses to the deaths. The paper said families had been paid to keep quiet. The move comes after inquiries into five incidents where 189 people died.
Earlier, the organisers of the Beijing Olympics denied the story. Meanwhile, officials say they are willing to investigate reports that 10 workers have died at an Olympic site.
When asked by journalists whether he could confirm the report, Mr Li replied: "This is the first I have heard of this. Senior safety official Li Yizhong said those responsible would be punished severely if the claims - made by UK newspaper the Sunday Times - turned out to be true.
"I will ask the Beijing work safety watchdog to conduct an investigation and if this is found to be the case, severe punishment will be administered according to the law." The newspaper cited unnamed witnesses to the deaths and also claimed that families had been paid to keep quiet.
China's work safety record is poor - thousands of people die every year in mines, factories and on construction sites. Earlier, the organisers of the 2008 Olympics had denied the story.
'Loopholes'
China's work safety record is poor - Mr Li announced that more than 100,000 people die every year in workplace incidents.
"The death toll is still too big and the occurrence of major accidents has not been effectively curbed," Mr Li said.
"There is still uncertainty in work safety situations in some regions and industries and we also have many weaknesses and loopholes in our work."
But with the world's focus falling on China during the Olympics, officials are keen to avoid any controversy.But with the world's focus falling on China during the Olympics, officials are keen to avoid any controversy.