A deadly explosion at a coal mine in northern China has left at least 90 people dead, in what is being described as the country’s worst mining disaster in more than a decade, raising fresh concerns over industrial safety standards in the world’s largest coal-producing nation.
State media reports say the gas explosion occurred Friday evening at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi province, a major coal-producing region in China. About 247 workers were on duty at the time of the blast, with more than 100 rescued as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed authorities to intensify rescue efforts, provide medical treatment for the injured and launch a full investigation into the cause of the incident, while promising accountability for those found responsible.
The disaster is expected to renew scrutiny on workplace safety practices in China’s mining sector, which remains critical to the country’s energy supply and industrial output despite repeated safety reforms over the years.
Twenty-seven injured miners are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, with most suffering from toxic gas inhalation. One victim remains in critical condition.
Survivors described scenes of panic underground following the explosion. One miner told state media that workers attempted to flee after detecting strong sulphur fumes before many collapsed from the gas exposure.
Analysts say the incident could trigger tighter regulatory oversight across China’s coal industry, potentially affecting production activities and supply operations in key mining regions.
