A deadly gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s Shanxi Province has left 82 dead, prompting a massive rescue operation and an investigation ordered by Xi Jinping.
Emergency rescue personnel carry out operations following a deadly gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s Shanxi Province. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
At least 82 people have died and nine others remain trapped after a gas explosion ripped through a coal mine in north China’s Shanxi Province, authorities said on Saturday as large-scale rescue operations continued at the site.
The explosion took place on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County in Changzhi city, triggering one of China’s deadliest mining disasters in recent years.
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The accident has once again put the spotlight on safety standards in China’s coal mining industry, which has long struggled with deadly industrial accidents despite tighter regulations and repeated crackdowns by authorities.
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According to Xinhua, six national mine emergency rescue teams comprising 345 personnel and specialised equipment have been deployed to assist local authorities in rescue and recovery efforts.
Chinese state media reported that the person responsible for the company linked to the mine has been taken under control in accordance with the law.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged authorities to make every possible effort to rescue survivors and ensure treatment for the injured.
Xi also directed officials to thoroughly investigate the cause of the explosion and hold those responsible accountable.
State media footage showed ambulances lined up outside the mining site as rescue workers and paramedics carried stretchers through the area. More than 100 people were reportedly taken to hospitals following the explosion.
Rescue operations were still underway till the latest reports, with teams continuing efforts to reach the trapped workers underground.
Coal mine accidents were once frequent in China due to poor enforcement of safety protocols and hazardous working conditions.
Although Beijing has tightened regulations in recent years, fatal incidents continue to occur across mining regions.
Earlier this year, three workers were trapped after part of an underground tunnel collapsed at a coal mine in Shaanxi Province in northwest China. Five others managed to escape safely during that incident.
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