Analysis of the Characteristics and Causal Factors of Coal Mine Transportation Accidents in China

This study aims to conduct a systematic analysis of the characteristics and evolving patterns of major and exceptionally severe coal mine transportation accidents in China from 2014 to 2023. The findings reveal that: (1) While transportation accidents constitute a relatively small proportion of total coal mine accidents, recent trends indicate that they have become the third most frequent accident type, following gas explosions and roof falls. (2) Major and exceptionally severe transportation accidents exhibit distinct spatial and temporal distribution characteristics. Spatially, Heilongjiang Province recorded the highest incidence, with three accidents resulting in 23 fatalities. Temporally, these severe accidents demonstrate a heightened susceptibility within the first two months following the New Year, necessitating targeted preventative measures during this period. (3) The proposed causal network reasoning model for coal mine transportation accidents enables the simulation of on-site safety management processes to identify and infer potential hazards under abnormal conditions. This research provides a foundation for investigating the characteristics and developing prevention strategies for transportation accidents in Chinese coal mines.