A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province, China, on Friday evening has resulted in at least 82 fatalities, with two individuals still missing. The incident is the deadliest mining disaster reported in China since 2009. Rescue operations have concluded, and an investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.
Incident Timeline and Casualties
- The explosion occurred at 7:29 PM local time on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi province.
- 247 workers were on duty underground at the time.
- Initial reports stated a death toll of 90. Officials later revised the figure to 82, citing an incorrect headcount during the initial confusion following the blast. Officials have apologized for the error.
- As of Sunday morning, 82 fatalities have been confirmed and two people remain missing, according to state media. Earlier reports indicated nine people were missing.
- 128 workers were hospitalized following the explosion.
Rescue and Investigation
- More than 750 emergency personnel were deployed to the scene.
- On Sunday morning, rescuers used mine inspection robots equipped with gas sensors and infrared cameras, according to state media.
- Rescue operations are now complete.
- The cause of the explosion is under investigation by local emergency management authorities.
- A preliminary investigation has identified multiple serious safety violations as the cause, according to state media.
- State media reported that the explosion followed a carbon monoxide alert; gas levels were reported to have exceeded safe limits.
- Surveillance footage from inside the mine, aired by state media on Monday, showed the moment of the blast.
Official Statements and Actions
- Chinese President Xi Jinping called for authorities to "spare no effort" in treating the injured and conducting search and rescue operations. He also ordered a thorough investigation and strict legal accountability.
- Premier Li Qiang echoed these instructions, calling for timely and accurate information release and accountability.
- State news agency Xinhua reported the government launched an "uncompromising" investigation and ordered a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities.
- Executives of the company responsible for the mine have been detained, and at least one person has been arrested, according to state broadcaster CGTN.
Context
- The Liushenyu blast is the largest mining disaster in China since 2009, when 108 people died in a mine explosion in Heilongjiang province.
- China has reduced coal mine fatalities in recent decades through more stringent regulations and safer practices.
- China's coal mines have historically faced safety and regulatory challenges.
- Shanxi is China's main coal-mining region, producing over one billion tonnes of coal last year, nearly one-third of national output.
- In 2023, a collapse at an open-pit mine in Inner Mongolia killed 53.