North China's Shanxi Province has ordered all illegally-operated coal mines to close, following an explosion last week that left 105 people dead and 18 others injured.

Separately, the government on Monday said it would pay 215,000 yuan (29,054 U.S. dollars) in compensation to victims' relatives.

"So far, relatives of 72 victims have received economic compensation," said Zhao Shuangbao, deputy head of Hongtong County.

The gas explosion occurred at 11:15 p.m. last Wednesday at Xinyao Coal Mine, a village-run coal firm in Hongtong County, Linfen City. At the time, 128 miners were working in the shaft, more than double the maximum of 60 per shift as approved by Shanxi coal mine authorities.

Although coal mine held full and valid licenses, Li Yizhong, director of the State Administration of Work Safety, criticized local work safety and coal mine authorities for inadequate supervision and management.

Following the accident, 37 rescue personnel were sent into the mine. However, it isn't clear yet how many deaths or injuries involved those working in the mine as opposed to rescue workers and how many, if any, among the trapped miners survived.

Police have detained 35 people alleged to be linked to the accident. The mine owner, who reportedly fled, is being sought by authorities.

The accident is believed to be the nation's second deadliest mining disaster so far this year. In August, 181 miners died when heavy rains flooded two mines in eastern Shandong Province.

(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2007)