A gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi Province, central China, has resulted in at least 90 fatalities.
According to reports from state media including Xinhua and China Central Television (CCTV), the explosion occurred at 7:29 p.m. on May 23 in an underground tunnel in the city of Changzhi, specifically in Qinyuan County. At the time of the incident, 247 workers were present in the mine.
Local authorities initially reported that by 6 a.m. on May 24, eight people had died and 38 were trapped underground. However, as rescue operations progressed, the death toll rose sharply to 90, with nine individuals still unaccounted for.
A total of 123 injured workers have been transported to hospitals for treatment, with at least four reported to be in serious condition.
Xinhua reported that rescue efforts are ongoing, and the exact number of casualties is still being assessed. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
Authorities have taken measures to control the situation regarding the mine's owners and responsible parties. The Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched 345 rescue personnel to the site to assist in the operations.
President Xi Jinping has directed that all efforts be made to treat the injured and to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable under the law.
Xi emphasized the need to heighten awareness of industrial safety and to conduct thorough inspections and maintenance to prevent major accidents.
Premier Li Qiang also called for a full commitment to rescue operations for those trapped and for the swift and accurate dissemination of information related to the incident.
The mine had previously faced penalties this year for inadequate safety measures, including requiring miners to wear work uniforms without reflective markings.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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