A deadly gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China has claimed the lives of at least 82 people, with several others still missing as rescue operations continue.
The tragic incident happened on Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province, one of China’s major coal-producing regions.
According to Chinese state media, about 247 workers were underground when the explosion occurred around 7:29 p.m.
While many miners were successfully rescued and brought to the surface, authorities later confirmed that dozens lost their lives in what is now being described as one of China’s worst industrial disasters in recent years.
Rescue teams are still searching intensely for workers who remain unaccounted for.
Footage released by state broadcaster CCTV showed emergency responders carrying injured victims on stretchers while ambulances rushed around the disaster scene.
Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly ordered “all-out efforts” to rescue survivors, treat the injured and investigate the cause of the explosion.
He also urged authorities across the country to strengthen workplace safety measures and prevent future industrial tragedies.
Reports indicated that dangerous levels of carbon monoxide — a toxic gas — were detected inside the mine after the explosion.
Officials said some trapped workers were initially found in critical condition before the death toll later rose sharply.
Authorities have reportedly placed a company official under investigation following the disaster.
China’s mining industry has long faced criticism over poor safety standards and weak enforcement of regulations despite improvements made in recent years.
Shanxi province remains one of the country’s biggest coal-producing areas and has witnessed several deadly mining accidents over the decades.
In 2023, another coal mine collapse in Inner Mongolia killed more than 50 people, while a major explosion in 2009 left over 100 miners dead.
China remains the world’s largest consumer of coal and one of the biggest carbon emitters globally.
The latest tragedy has once again raised concerns about industrial safety and working conditions in the country’s mining sector.
Source: AFP / Xinhua / CCTV
