Wang Yu, the former deputy mayor of Helong city in Northeast China’s Jilin province, was removed from his post on Saturday following a coal mine gas explosion in the city that killed 18 people and injured 12.

“This incident caused a great impact and resulted in serious consequences, so we punished the responsible people and warned others for their safety,” said a statement released by the Yanbian prefecture committee on Tuesday.

Investigations in Helong are still under way, and the committee has suggested that those found to be responsible will be similarly punished.