China has jailed some former executives of its oil giant, Sinopec and government officials over explosion at port city that left dozens dead, state news agency, Xinhua has reported.
It sentenced 14 former officials of state oil giant, Sinopec ,and local government officials over a 2013 pipeline blast that left 63 people dead.
The explosion that ripped through the Sinopec-owned Dongying-Huangdao II pipeline in the eastern port city of Qingdao on November 22, 2013 also left 156 injured.
The ex-Sinopec officials and government officials were sentenced to up to five years in jail for their roles in the incident and its aftermath.
Xinhua said the former Sinopec workers were sentenced for violating safety regulations, while the government officials failed to adequately perform their duties in dealing with the blast.
China launched a nationwide investigation into the safety of its oil and gas pipelines following the explosion on the pipeline, which links oil depots in Huangdao to petrochemical plants in Weifang City.
The incident also caused an oil spill covering 10,000 square metres at Jiaozhou Bay, and led to the temporary closure of both Huangdao port and two Sinopec refineries.
The blast also ripped up roads, overturning scores of cars as well as shattering windows of many nearby buildings.