China's top procuratorate has decided to supervise the handling of a case involving the coal mine gas explosion in Changzhi, Shanxi province, the Supreme People's Procuratorate said on Tuesday.

The blast occurred on May 22 at the Liushenyu Coal Mine, operated by Shanxi Tongzhou Group in Qinyuan county, Changzhi, causing heavy casualties.

According to a news conference on May 23, a total of 247 people were working underground when the accident occurred. As of the time of the briefing, 82 people had been confirmed dead, two remained missing, and 128 were hospitalized. Another 35 workers who were not injured had returned home.

The SPP said it has instructed procuratorial organs in Shanxi to work with public security authorities and relevant departments to investigate the cause of the accident and establish the facts of the case in accordance with the law.

Those found to be mainly responsible will be severely punished in accordance with the law, it said.

Procuratorial organs will maintain a firm stance against workplace safety-related crimes, particularly major cases that cause mass casualties and attract strong public attention, in order to protect people's lives and property and safeguard social stability.