Beijing: A devastating gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s Shanxi Province has claimed the lives of at least 90 workers, making it one of the deadliest mining disasters in the country in recent years. Several workers are still feared trapped or missing as rescue operations continue.
According to local authorities, the explosion occurred late Friday evening at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Qinyuan County, where hundreds of miners were working underground at the time of the incident. The blast triggered a rapid spread of smoke and toxic gases through the mine’s tunnels, trapping many workers inside.
Emergency response teams, medical personnel, and mining rescue units were immediately dispatched to the site. Rescue efforts continued throughout the night, with dozens of workers being brought to safety. However, officials confirmed that at least 90 miners lost their lives in the disaster. A number of injured workers have been admitted to nearby hospitals, and some remain in critical condition.
Witnesses said the explosion was powerful enough to damage several underground passages, complicating rescue operations. Thick smoke, toxic gas, and collapsed sections of the mine created significant challenges for emergency crews attempting to reach trapped workers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the families of the victims and ordered authorities to make every effort to rescue those still missing and provide the best possible treatment to the injured. Premier Li Qiang also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and urged officials to strengthen mine safety measures nationwide.
Preliminary reports suggest that a gas buildup may have triggered the explosion, although investigators have not yet reached a final conclusion. Authorities have launched a comprehensive inquiry and are questioning officials associated with the operation of the mine.
Shanxi Province is China’s leading coal-producing region and plays a vital role in the country’s energy supply. Despite years of efforts to improve mining safety standards, accidents continue to occur, raising concerns about enforcement of safety regulations within the industry.
The tragedy is being described as one of China’s worst mining disasters in more than a decade and has once again brought the issue of industrial safety into the national spotlight.