Agencies | Beijing:
At least 90 miners were killed in a massive gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China’s Shanxi Province, while rescue teams continue efforts to trace nine workers still missing, official Chinese media reported on Saturday.
The accident occurred on Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County of Changzhi city, where a total of 247 workers were underground at the time of the explosion.
According to state-run media reports, 123 workers were rescued and shifted to hospitals for treatment. Among them, two are said to be in critical condition and two others seriously injured.
Rescue operations remained underway through Saturday, with emergency teams racing against time to locate the missing miners. “As long as there is hope, we will make every possible effort,” a rescuer was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.
Chinese President Xi Jinping directed authorities to carry out an all-out rescue mission and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster and strict accountability for those found responsible.
Xi urged authorities across the country to strengthen workplace safety measures, eliminate potential risks, and prevent major industrial accidents. He also stressed the need for enhanced emergency preparedness as China enters its annual flood season.
Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has reportedly reached the accident site to oversee rescue and relief operations.
Mining accidents remain a recurring concern in China, often linked to poor safety standards, hazardous working conditions, and regulatory lapses in the country’s energy sector.
The deadliest mining disaster in recent Chinese history occurred in 2005, when a gas explosion at the Sunjiawan coal mine in Liaoning Province claimed 214 lives.
