Deadly China Coal Mine Blast Kills at Least 82 in Shanxi

At least 82 people have been killed following a massive gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China, marking the country’s deadliest mining disaster in more than a decade.

The blast occurred Friday evening at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi Province, where 247 workers were reportedly on duty at the time.

More than 100 miners were rescued, while hundreds of emergency personnel have been deployed for ongoing rescue operations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to spare no effort in treating the injured and searching for survivors.

China’s State Council has also announced a “rigorous” investigation into the incident, warning that those found responsible will face severe punishment.

State media reported that 27 people remain hospitalized, including one in critical condition.

Most victims reportedly suffered from inhaling toxic gases after the explosion.

Preliminary reports indicated carbon monoxide levels inside the mine had exceeded safety limits.

Rescue operations have faced major challenges due to flooding near the explosion site and discrepancies between mine blueprints and actual underground conditions.

Authorities have deployed 345 rescue personnel from six emergency teams.

The Liushenyu mine had previously been identified by China’s National Mine Safety Administration as a site with “severe safety hazards,” while the operating company, Tongzhou Group, had reportedly faced multiple penalties this year over safety violations.

The tragedy has renewed concerns over industrial safety in China’s coal sector despite years of tighter regulations and crackdowns on illegal mining operations.

Shanxi province alone accounts for more than a quarter of China’s coal production.