China Coal Mine Explosion Leaves 90 Dead

A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China has left 90 people dead, marking the country's deadliest mining disaster in more than a decade, according to state media.

“Rescue efforts are ongoing. The number of casualties is still being tallied,” CCTV reported, adding that nine people remain missing at the mine in Shanxi province.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for an “all-out rescue” of those missing, Xinhua reported on Saturday, adding that he also urged a thorough investigation into the incident and called for responsibilities to be determined in accordance with the law.

Previously, the state-run news agency Xinhua reported that carbon monoxide levels “exceeded limits” inside the Liushenyu coal mine in the city of Changzhi.

A team of 400 to 500 personnel was conducting underground rescue operations, according to the Qinyuan County Emergency Management Bureau, where the mine is located, in statements to CNN. Provincial authorities have also arrived at the scene, the office added.

When contacted by CNN, a person answering the phone at the company managing the mine, Shanxi Tongzhou Group Liushenyu Coal Industry, stated they “were not aware of the situation” and terminated the call.

Coal remains a key source of energy in China, despite efforts in recent years to reduce reliance on the fossil fuel. The sector has a dismal safety record, marked by numerous fatal accidents.

While safety has improved since the early 2000s, incidents continue to occur despite industry consolidation and repeated government directives to improve safety measures. In 2023, 53 workers were killed in a mine collapse in Inner Mongolia, according to state media reports.

The explosion occurred at 7:30 p.m. local time (7:30 a.m. Miami time) on Friday, while 247 workers were underground. According to Xinhua, at least 201 individuals were evacuated before 6:00 a.m. local time on Saturday.

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, Xinhua reported.