A coal mine explosion in northern China has resulted in at least 90 fatalities, according to state media reports.
The incident occurred at the Liushenyu Coal Mine, operated by the Tongzhou Group in Shanxi Province. Hundreds of rescuers are actively working at the site, with footage showing paramedics carrying stretchers and ambulances nearby. Over 100 individuals have been hospitalized, and rescue efforts continue.
The explosion took place at 7:29 PM local time on Friday, with 247 workers present during the incident.
In response, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of treating the injured and searching for survivors. He has also directed the government to investigate the cause of the explosion and ensure accountability for those responsible.
Authorities have detained officials from the coal mine. While the exact cause of the gas explosion remains unknown, reports indicate that carbon monoxide levels in the mine exceeded safety limits.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has deployed 345 personnel from six rescue teams to assist in the operation.
Shanxi, recognized as China’s coal-mining capital, is one of the country’s poorer provinces. Although safety measures have improved in recent years, accidents still occur. In 2023, a collapse at a coal mine in Inner Mongolia resulted in 53 deaths. A significant explosion in Heilongjiang province in 2009 claimed over 100 lives.
As the world’s largest coal consumer and greenhouse gas emitter, China continues to expand its renewable energy efforts.
