A special investigations committee officially ordered criminal charges brought against the ex-director of the Raspadskaya coalmine, where an accident killed at least 66 miners, a Russian Investigation Committee spokesman said on Thursday.
"Igor Volkov has been charged under Article 216, part 3 of the Russian Criminal Code [safety rules violation during mining, construction or other works which negligently caused the death of two or more persons]," Vladimir Markin said.
If convicted, Volkov could face 7 years imprisonment.
Volkov, the former head of the Raspadskaya mine, resigned earlier on Tuesday, a day after he was severely criticized by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Markov said Volkov has ordered not to leave Mezhdurechensk, the west Siberian town where the mine is located.
Two explosions hit the Raspadskaya mine on the night of May 8-9. Sixty-six bodies were recovered from the mine, 24 people are still missing underground.
MOSCOW, May 20 (RIA Novosti)
