TAIYUAN -- Eight local government officials have been given probationary sentences ranging from eight months to three years after being found guilty of neglecting their duty in a coal mine accident that claimed 56 lives in north China's Shanxi Province in May this year.

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If they break the law during the probationary period, they will be liable to serve prison sentences ranging from six months to two years.

The officials include three officials from local work safety authorities, two from land and resources authorities and three local township government officials.

The ruling was handed down on Tuesday by two courts in Datong and Lingqiu counties, Shanxi Province.

Xinjing Coal Mine in Zhangjiachang Township, Zuoyun County was flooded on May 18, leading to the deaths of 56 trapped miners.