90 Killed In China Coal Mine Blast Rescue Operations Under Way

At least 90 people were killed after a massive gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China’s Shanxi province, making it one of the country’s deadliest mining disasters in recent years. The explosion took place late Friday night at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County while hundreds of miners were working underground. Chinese authorities confirmed that rescue operations are still continuing as emergency teams search for missing workers trapped inside the mine.

According to Chinese state media, around 247 workers were underground when the blast happened. More than 200 miners were safely brought to the surface during rescue operations, but many others were trapped after the powerful explosion spread toxic gas and damaged parts of the mine. Officials said several workers were also injured and more than 100 people have been admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment, mostly due to gas inhalation and burn injuries.

The explosion reportedly occurred because of a gas leak inside the mine, although investigators are still examining the exact cause. Initial reports suggested a smaller number of deaths, but the death toll increased sharply as rescue teams reached deeper sections of the mine. Chinese media said high levels of carbon monoxide and difficult underground conditions have made rescue work extremely dangerous and slow.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to make every possible effort to rescue trapped miners and provide medical treatment to the injured. He also demanded a full investigation into the accident and called for strict action against anyone found responsible for safety failures. Chinese Premier Li Qiang also asked officials to strengthen industrial safety rules and improve supervision in hazardous industries such as coal mining.

Reports said more than 700 rescue workers, medical staff and emergency personnel were sent to the accident site soon after the explosion. Rescue teams are using special equipment to clear debris, remove toxic gas and search underground tunnels. However, officials warned that unstable mine conditions and dangerous gas levels continue to create serious risks for rescuers.

The Liushenyu coal mine is operated by Shanxi Tongzhou Coal & Coke Group, a company linked to one of China’s major coal-producing regions. Following the disaster, several company executives and mine officials were reportedly detained by authorities as part of the ongoing investigation. Chinese regulators are now expected to carry out wider safety inspections at coal mines across the country.

Shanxi province is known as China’s largest coal-producing region and has faced several mining accidents in the past. Although China has improved mine safety standards over the last two decades, coal mining accidents still happen due to gas explosions, flooding and illegal mining practices. Experts say the latest tragedy again highlights the dangers faced by workers in the country’s coal industry despite stricter regulations introduced in recent years.