A devastating gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s northern Shanxi province has killed more than 90 workers, making it the country’s deadliest mining disaster in over 16 years and triggering a massive rescue operation and high-level investigation.
The explosion occurred late Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, with 247 workers reportedly underground at the time of the incident. Chinese state media initially reported lower casualties before revising the toll upward as rescue efforts progressed. Authorities later said at least 82 people had died, while earlier reports had placed the figure at 90. Rescue operations were continuing and some workers remained unaccounted for.
According to official reports, more than 200 miners were brought safely to the surface while emergency and medical teams were rushed to the site in Shanxi, China’s coal-mining heartland. The blast is believed to have been caused by a gas explosion, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to “spare no effort” in rescue and medical treatment efforts and directed a thorough investigation into the incident, emphasizing strict accountability under the law. Premier Li Qiang also called for timely information disclosure and rigorous enforcement of safety responsibility.
Chinese media reported that executives linked to the company operating the mine had been detained pending investigation.
The disaster has drawn international concern and renewed scrutiny of mine safety in China, where fatalities have declined significantly over the past two decades following tighter regulations but serious accidents continue to occur.
The Shanxi explosion is being described as China’s worst coal mine disaster since 2009, when a major explosion in Heilongjiang province killed 108 people. Despite reforms and technological upgrades, coal mining remains a hazardous industry in China, which continues to rely heavily on coal for industrial production and electricity generation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences following the tragedy.
In a message posted on X, Modi conveyed sympathy to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China.
“Saddened by the loss of lives in a mining accident in Shanxi Province in China. On behalf of the people of India, my condolences to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. May the bereaved families find strength in this tragic hour. Praying for the early and safe recovery of all remaining missing persons,” Modi wrote.
The tragedy has once again highlighted persistent safety challenges in the coal sector even as Chinese authorities continue efforts to modernize and regulate mining operations. [KNT]
Saddened by the loss of lives in a mining accident in Shanxi Province in China. On behalf of the people of India, my condolences to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. May the bereaved families find strength in this tragic hour. Praying for the early and safe recovery…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2026
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