BEIJING, April 19 (Reuters) - Cover-ups of coal mine disasters in China are happening at a rate of one a week, state media reported on Thursday, contributing to a spike in fatal accidents in the world's deadliest coal mining industry.

Those responsible for safety had sabotaged scenes, destroyed evidence and moved bodies, Xinhua news agency quoted Li Yizhong, head of the State Administration of Work Safety, as saying, adding that most had been brought to justice.

In one 10-day period in March, 72 people were killed in four separate accidents. The total number of mine accidents in March rose 153.8 percent from the previous month, Li said.

Earlier this week, a mine owner fled after an explosion at a coal mine in the central province of Henan that trapped 33 workers, hampering work for rescuers who lacked detailed knowledge of the colliery.

The pit was still "a sea of fire" two days after the accident with high gas levels which could cause fresh explosions, Xinhua said, adding all coal mines in the area had been shut down for a month for safety overhauls.

The spike in accidents threatens government efforts to improve safety in the industry that killed more than 4,700 in 2006, as mine owners pushed production beyond safe limits to meet robust demand and increase profits.

Beijing aims to cut the number of small mines, which account for two-thirds of mine deaths, to 10,000 by 2010 from 22,000 in 2005.

But attempts to consolidate the industry are hampered by booming demand for coal, which China depends on for about 70 percent of its energy, and it is common for small mines spring up again just weeks after officials close them down.

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