CHINA: China Coal mine is facing one of its deadliest mining disasters in years after a massive gas explosion killed at least 90 people in Shanxi province.
The blast happened on Friday evening at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in northern China. According to the China state media, 247 workers were inside the mine at the time of the explosion. Rescue teams managed to pull more than 100 miners to safety shortly after the incident.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered officials to do everything possible to rescue survivors and treat the injured. He also demanded a full investigation into the cause of the disaster. Authorities have promised to hold anyone responsible accountable.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are still ongoing. China’s Ministry of Emergency Management sent 345 rescue workers from six different teams to the site. Emergency crews continue searching underground for possible survivors.
Several injured miners remain in hospital. Reports say 27 people are receiving treatment, while one person is in critical condition. Most victims suffered after breathing toxic gas inside the mine.
One survivor, Wang Yong, described the terrifying moment the explosion happened. He said he suddenly saw smoke spreading through the tunnel. He also noticed a strong Sulphur smell before workers started collapsing from the fumes.
According to Wang, he lost consciousness while trying to escape. Later, he woke up and managed to leave the mine with another worker.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the exact cause of the explosion. However, state media reported that carbon monoxide levels inside the mine exceeded safety limits. Carbon monoxide is a highly dangerous gas because it has no smell and can quickly become deadly.
Furthermore several members of the mine’s management team have been detained as investigators examine possible safety failures.
The Liushenyu mine already had a poor safety record. In 2024, China’s National Mine Safety Administration listed the site as having severe safety risks. In addition, the company operating the mine, Tongzhou Group, reportedly received two safety penalties earlier this year.
Shanxi province plays a major role in China’s coal industry and produces more than a quarter of the country’s total coal supply. However, the latest tragedy has once again raised serious concerns about mine safety standards in China. The disaster is now considered the country’s worst mining accident since 2009.
