BEIJING (Agencies) -More than 90 miners were killed after a massive explosion ripped through a coal mine in northern China, while rescue teams continued searching for dozens of workers feared trapped underground, according to Chinese state media and international reports.
The incident took place at the Liushenyu coal mine in Changzhi city, located in Shanxi province, one of China’s major coal-producing regions. Reports said nearly 247 miners were working underground when the blast occurred late Friday night. A large number of workers managed to escape or were rescued in the initial emergency response, but many others were caught deep inside the mine following the explosion.
Chinese authorities confirmed that the death toll had risen steadily as rescue workers recovered more bodies from the damaged sections of the mine. Officials warned that the number of casualties could increase further because several miners remained unaccounted for.
Emergency crews, including firefighters, medical teams and mining specialists, were deployed to the site soon after the blast. Rescue operations, however, have faced serious difficulties due to high levels of toxic gases, damaged tunnels and unstable underground structures. State media reported that dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide may have caused or worsened the explosion, although investigators are still examining the exact cause of the disaster.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the families of the victims and ordered authorities to use all available resources to save those still trapped. He also directed officials to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure accountability for any negligence or safety violations.
Following the incident, local authorities reportedly detained several individuals connected to the mine’s management as part of the ongoing inquiry. China’s mining industry has long faced criticism over poor safety standards, weak enforcement of regulations and pressure to maintain high production levels.
Shanxi province, often referred to as the heart of China’s coal industry, has experienced multiple deadly mining accidents in recent decades. Although the Chinese government has repeatedly pledged to improve industrial safety and reduce workplace deaths, accidents continue to occur, especially in smaller or privately operated mines.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns about working conditions in China’s mining sector and the effectiveness of safety inspections. Social media users in China expressed grief over the deaths and called for stricter oversight of mining operations to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Coal remains a major source of energy for China, powering industries, factories and electricity generation across the country. Despite growing investment in renewable energy, China still heavily relies on coal production to support its economy, making mining safety a continuing national challenge.
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