A miracle achieved at the price of life is actually a tragedy, especially when it could have been avoided, says an article in the Yangcheng Evening News. Excerpts:

One hundred and fifteen miners who had been trapped underground for days have been rescued from the flooded Wangjialing Coal Mine, with another 35 dead.

To some, this is a miracle. In fact, it is a tragedy so long as a single life is lost.

Such "miracles", which could have been avoided with appropriate precautions, are unfortunately regular occurances in China. The accidental loss of life in Chinese mines is far higher than in many other countries. In some cases, technical difficulties or bad management are to blame. All too often, however, these tragedies are caused by local governments' eagerness for instant success and quick profits, or by a lack of effective supervision.

While celebrating the miners' rescue, we should take a hard look at the underlying problems and seek fundamental solutions. Zero accidents must be the goal.