Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang on Monday ordered a thorough investigation into the coal mine gas blast that killed 74 miners in north China's Shanxi Province.

Zhang arrived at the accident site Sunday to direct the rescue operation and console the injured miners and families of the victims.

He called on medical workers to go all out to avoid further loss of life from injuries during a visit to the seriously injured miners at Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital early Monday.

He ordered harsh punishments for those responsible for the fatal blast.

The accident occurred at around 2:20 a.m. Sunday, while 436 miners were working underground at the Tunlan Coal Mine of Shanxi Coking Coal Group in Gujiao City, about 50 km from Taiyuan, the provincial capital.

The blast also injured 114 miners, including 26 seriously.

Zhang also urged the local government to check for potential safety loopholes to avoid fatal mine accidents and protect life and property.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2009)