A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in northern China’s Shanxi province has killed at least 90 people, according to Chinese state media, marking the country’s deadliest mining disaster in more than a decade.
The blast occurred late Friday evening, around 7:29 p.m. to 9:43 p.m. local time, when 247 workers were underground at the mine operated by Shen Liao Shanxi Coal Mining Co., Ltd. (also referred to as part of the Tongzhou Group). Carbon monoxide levels had reportedly exceeded safety limits prior to the explosion.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the death toll has risen sharply. Earlier reports indicated four to eight confirmed deaths with dozens trapped, but state broadcaster CCTV and other official outlets updated the figure to 90 fatalities on Saturday. Some reports mention a small number of workers still missing.
Of the miners brought to the surface, many were suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Rescue teams continue searching for any remaining survivors, though hopes are diminishing as time passes.
President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out efforts to rescue those still trapped, treat the injured, and conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. Local authorities have detained several mine executives in connection with the incident.
Shanxi is China’s largest coal-producing region, and while the industry has become safer in recent years due to consolidation and stricter regulations, deadly accidents continue to occur. China’s coal mines have historically accounted for a significant portion of global mining fatalities, though major disasters have become less frequent since the early 2000s.
This incident is the deadliest reported in China since at least 2012. Officials have promised a full probe into safety lapses, including why workers remained underground after carbon monoxide alarms were reportedly triggered.
The story is developing, with further updates expected as rescue operations conclude and the official investigation progresses. Families of the victims are being notified and provided with support.
