A devastating coal mine explosion in Shanxi has left at least 82 people dead and two others missing after a gas blast ripped through an underground mining site in Qinyuan County.
According to state media reports, the explosion occurred at around 7.29pm on Thursday at the Liushenyu Coal Mine operated by Tongzhou Group in Changzhi City.
Authorities said 247 workers were underground at the time of the accident.
As of Friday night, officials confirmed that 82 miners had died, while another 128 people were hospitalised for treatment. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing for the remaining missing workers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued urgent instructions calling for “all-out efforts” to rescue trapped miners and treat the injured.
Xi also ordered authorities to thoroughly investigate the cause of the disaster and hold those responsible fully accountable under the law.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was reportedly dispatched to the scene to oversee rescue and emergency response operations.
Local authorities have since mobilised seven rescue and medical teams involving more than 755 personnel to carry out emergency operations, medical treatment and site management.
Officials confirmed that the mine’s actual controllers and management personnel have already been placed under legal control as investigations continue.
Reports from Chinese business database Tianyancha also revealed that the mining company had reportedly been punished twice in 2025 over previous workplace safety violations.
Initial online reports and leaked chat screenshots allegedly shared among local miners suggested the tragedy may have been caused by a gas explosion deep underground.
President Xi further urged authorities across the country to learn from the disaster and strengthen inspections to prevent future major industrial accidents.
He also stressed the importance of improving emergency response measures during the current flood season to better protect public safety and property.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang additionally ordered officials to accelerate rescue efforts, provide proper care for victims and families, and ensure strict accountability once investigations are completed.
