At least 90 people have been confirmed dead following a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China, marking the country’s deadliest mining disaster in 17 years.
According to Chinese state media, the explosion occurred on Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi Province, a major coal-producing region in northern China. State news agency Xinhua reported that 247 miners were underground when the blast happened at about 7:29 p.m. local time.
State broadcaster CCTV said 123 injured workers were rushed to hospitals for treatment, with four reported to be in critical condition. Authorities also confirmed that dozens of injured miners had already been discharged after receiving medical care.
Emergency rescue operations continued into Saturday, with more than 700 rescue and medical personnel deployed to the scene in an effort to locate missing workers and assist survivors.
One survivor, identified as Wang Yong, recounted the terrifying moments following the explosion. He told CCTV that he noticed smoke and a strong sulphur smell before losing consciousness.
“There was a puff of smoke, and many people were choking before I fainted,” he reportedly said. “I woke up about an hour later and managed to leave the mine with others nearby.”
Video footage aired by CCTV showed helmeted rescue workers carrying stretchers while ambulances lined the disaster area.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered “all-out efforts” to rescue victims, treat the injured, and investigate the cause of the explosion. He also called on authorities across the country to strengthen workplace safety measures and prevent future industrial disasters.
Authorities disclosed that a company official connected to the mine has been placed under investigation.
Initial reports had indicated only four deaths and several trapped miners, but the death toll rose significantly as rescue operations progressed. Investigators reportedly detected dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide inside the mine following the explosion.
The tragedy is the worst mining accident in China since 2009, when 108 miners died in an explosion in Heilongjiang Province.
Shanxi Province remains a major hub for China’s coal industry. Although mining safety standards in China have improved over the years, accidents continue to occur due to poor enforcement of safety regulations and hazardous working conditions.
China remains the world’s largest consumer of coal and one of the biggest global emitters of greenhouse gases, despite ongoing investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
