74 people are now confirmed dead at the Tunlan coal mine in Shanxi province, China, and 114 miners are still hospitalized. 

The explosion occurred after an apparent failure of the ventilation system.

Read the Associated Press story on Google News.

A foreman for Aracoma Coal Company's Alma #1 mine was indicted Thursday, January 29th, on charges resulting from a fatal fire that occurred in January 2006.  David R. Runyon of Justice is accused of neglecting to conduct mine safety and evacuation drills and falsifying safety reports.  Runyon could receive up to 17 years in prison and a $950,000 maximum fine if convicted.

Read the full story in The Charleston Gazette.