Guwahati: A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi province, has killed at least 90 people and injured others, officials and state media reported, making it one of China’s deadliest recent mining disasters. The blast struck on Friday while approximately 247 miners were working underground, according to Xinhua News Agency. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched and search operations continued to locate and assist those believed trapped in damaged tunnels.
State reports say initial findings point to dangerously high concentrations of gas inside the mine. A carbon monoxide warning was reportedly issued shortly before the explosion, raising questions about whether timely preventive measures were taken. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and to assess any safety lapses.
Emergency responders and local officials have focused on recovery and stabilizing the site, while medical teams treat the injured. Details about the numbers of survivors and the full scale of damage remained limited in early reports, with officials emphasizing the ongoing nature of rescue work.
China, one of the world’s largest coal producers, has long faced criticism over mine safety, enforcement of regulations and systemic negligence in parts of the industry. Despite periodic reforms and safety campaigns, fatal mining accidents persist, prompting questions about regulatory oversight and implementation at individual sites.
In response to the disaster, President Xi Jinping ordered a nationwide review of industrial and workplace safety standards. He urged authorities to step up inspections, eliminate hidden dangers and enforce safety protocols more strictly, calling on all departments and regional bodies to draw lessons from the tragedy.
The explosion has renewed debate over worker protection and industrial accountability in China’s energy sector. Observers say the incident underscores the hazards faced by mine workers and the need for sustained enforcement of safety measures as the country continues to rely heavily on coal.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/top-news/china-coal-mine-disaster-claims-90-lives-raises-fresh-safety-concerns.html
Category: China,Neighbour,Top News
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Publish Date: 2026-05-23 23:01:00
