A powerful gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China has killed at least 90 people, with several others still missing, according to state media reports.
The incident took place at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province, a major coal-producing region, at around 7:29 pm on Friday.
Large-scale rescue operation underway
Authorities said 247 workers were underground at the time of the explosion. Most were brought to the surface, while rescue teams continued searching for those still unaccounted for.
Emergency crews, supported by medical teams, have been working at the site as investigations continue into the cause of the blast.
Government orders investigation
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for urgent rescue efforts and a thorough investigation into the incident. Officials have also ordered safety checks across mining operations to prevent similar accidents in the future.
One company official has reportedly been taken into custody as part of the inquiry.
History of mining accidents
China’s coal mining industry, particularly in provinces like Shanxi, has long faced safety challenges despite improvements in recent years.
Deadly mining accidents still occur periodically, often linked to gas leaks, poor ventilation, or weak enforcement of safety regulations.
In past years, similar disasters have resulted in dozens of fatalities, highlighting ongoing concerns about industrial safety in the sector.
