China coal mine blast kills at least 82 in Shanxi, nine workers still missing

At least 82 people were killed and nine others remained missing after a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in China’s Shanxi province on Friday night. According to Chinese state media, the blast occurred at around 7:29 pm local time while 247 workers were underground inside the mine. Rescue teams continued search operations through Saturday as emergency personnel worked at the site.

Most of the workers trapped underground were brought to the surface by Saturday morning. State media said carbon monoxide levels inside the mine had exceeded safety limits after the explosion. Earlier reports had confirmed four deaths and dozens trapped, but the death toll increased sharply as rescue operations progressed. Several injured workers were reported to be in critical condition during the initial phase of the operation.

Video footage released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed rescuers carrying stretchers near the mine site while ambulances and emergency vehicles remained deployed in the area. Authorities said 345 emergency personnel were sent to the location to assist with rescue efforts and medical support. Officials also confirmed that one person responsible for the company operating the mine had been taken into custody under Chinese law.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for full-scale rescue and treatment efforts for the injured and ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. According to state media, he instructed authorities across the country to strengthen workplace safety measures and prevent similar industrial disasters. Rescue teams continued intensive searches for the nine workers who remained unaccounted for by Saturday afternoon.

Shanxi province is one of China’s largest coal-producing regions and has recorded several major mining accidents over the years. Although mine safety standards in China have improved in recent decades, industrial accidents continue to occur in the coal sector. In 2023, a collapse at an open-pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia killed 53 people, while a 2009 mine explosion in Heilongjiang province left more than 100 dead.