Dozens Killed After Gas Explosion at Coal Mine in Northern China

(MENAFN) At least 82 miners have died following a gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s northern Shanxi province, with emergency operations continuing at the site, according to state media reports.

The incident occurred on Friday evening at the Liushenyu mine in Qinyuan County, operated by Shanxi Tongzhou Group. Reports indicate that hundreds of workers were underground at the time of the blast, with several still unaccounted for as rescue teams continue search efforts.

Initial information suggests that dangerous gas levels, including elevated carbon monoxide concentrations, may have been present before or during the explosion, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Chinese authorities have launched a formal inquiry into the disaster, and several individuals connected to the mine’s operations have reportedly been detained as part of the investigation.

National leadership has ordered an urgent rescue response and instructed relevant agencies to prioritize locating missing workers and treating the injured. Officials have also called for a full investigation to determine responsibility and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The mining sector in China has historically faced safety challenges, with gas-related explosions remaining a recurring risk in underground operations despite regulatory improvements in recent years.

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