Shanxi: At least 90 people have been killed following a gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine operated by the Tongzhou Group in Shanxi province, northern China, state media reported.
The incident occurred at 19:29 local time on May 22, when 247 workers were on duty underground. Emergency teams said more than 100 injured workers have been taken to the hospital, while rescue operations remain ongoing with hundreds of personnel deployed to the site.
Chinese authorities confirmed that 345 rescuers from six emergency response teams have been mobilised to assist in search and recovery efforts. Footage from state media showed paramedics transporting injured miners on stretchers, with ambulances stationed near the site.
Preliminary reports indicate dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide were detected in the mine following the blast, suggesting toxic gas exposure may have played a key role in the fatalities. The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Following the tragedy, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for maximum efforts to treat the injured and locate any survivors. Xi Jinping also urged authorities to carry out a full investigation and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Officials linked to the mine’s operations have reportedly been detained as investigations continue. Shanxi province, a major coal-producing region often referred to as China’s coal-mining hub, has a long history of industrial accidents, although safety regulations have been tightened in recent years. China remains the world’s largest coal consumer and greenhouse gas emitter, even as it continues to rapidly expand its renewable energy capacity.
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