Owner of the coal mine where a collapse killed five miners in northwest China's Shaanxi Province in February was recently detained by local police, sources with the local government said on Sunday.

Feng Qianwu, head of the Shuimogou Mine in Zhenba County was accused of allowing operation of the mine regardless safety problems. Besides, Feng appointed an unqualified person to supervise production safety.

The mine collapsed on Feb. 20, trapping all the five miners working in the pit. The five miners, all from southwestern Sichuan Province, were confirmed dead later.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2006)