China’s official news agency, Xinhua, reported the top officials had lost their jobs over two separate accidents earlier this year.

Hebei acting governor Hu Chunhua told Xinhua that the province had serious problems with work and food safety.

Along with the mines the Sanlu dairy company, which has been implemented in China’s contaminated milk scandal, is located in the province.

“Chief leaders and responsible persons will not receive mercy if major safety accidents occur in their domains due to underperformance or negligence of duty,” Hu told Xinhua.

Last month, Shanxi province governor Meng Xuenong resigned over a fatal landslide which killed hundreds of local people.

Earlier this week ILN reported that 25 Chinese government officials were being investigated over a mine accident cover-up which killed over 30 people in July.