Some 90 persons have been confirmed dead following a devastating explosion at a coal mine in northern China, with rescue teams continuing search operations amid fears that the casualty toll could rise.
The blast occurred at the Liushenyu Coal Mine operated by the Tongzhou Group in Shanxi Province, one of China’s major coal-producing regions. Reports indicated that the explosion happened at about 7:29 p.m. local time on Friday while hundreds of workers were on duty underground.
State media said approximately 247 workers were present at the mine when the incident occurred. More than 100 people have reportedly been taken to hospitals for treatment, while emergency personnel continue efforts to locate survivors.
Television footage from the scene showed ambulances stationed outside the mine and medical workers carrying stretchers as rescue operations intensified.
Following the disaster, Xi Jinping called for urgent action to save lives and provide treatment for those injured. He also directed authorities to launch a full investigation into the cause of the explosion and ensure accountability for anyone found responsible.
Chinese state media reported that officials managing the mine had been taken into custody as investigations commenced.
Although authorities have yet to officially determine the cause of the explosion, preliminary findings reportedly pointed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, a highly toxic and odourless gas, exceeding safety limits within the mine.
The emergency response has been expanded, with China’s Ministry of Emergency Management deploying 345 personnel drawn from six rescue teams to support ongoing operations.
