A massive coal mine explosion in China’s Shanxi Province has killed at least 90 people, triggering one of the deadliest mining disasters in recent years. The blast occurred at the Liushenyu Coal Mine, operated by the Tongzhou Group, in China’s coal-producing heartland.
According to state media reports, the explosion took place around 7:29 PM local time while nearly 247 workers were inside the mine. More than 100 injured workers have reportedly been shifted to nearby hospitals, while rescue operations are still continuing.
China deployed over 345 emergency rescue personnel to the site. Visuals from the area showed ambulances, rescue teams carrying stretchers, and large-scale evacuation efforts as authorities searched for survivors trapped underground.
Preliminary reports suggest the explosion may have been caused by dangerous gas conditions inside the mine, including excessive carbon monoxide levels. Investigators are also examining whether poor ventilation or methane gas accumulation contributed to the disaster.
Chinese President Xi Jinping directed authorities to make every effort to rescue survivors, provide treatment to the injured, and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Reports indicate that mine officials have been detained as part of the inquiry.
Shanxi Province is one of China’s most important coal-mining regions and plays a major role in the country’s energy production. The tragedy has once again raised serious concerns over mining safety standards in the world’s largest coal-producing nation.
