Death toll rises to 82 after gas explosion at China coal mine

At least 82 people have been confirmed dead following a major gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China’s Shanxi province, while rescue teams continue efforts to reach nine miners still trapped underground, Chinese state media reported on Saturday.

The explosion occurred on Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, a major coal-producing area in Shanxi Province. According to state-run Xinhua News Agency, about 247 workers were underground when the blast happened.

More than 150 miners were rescued during overnight emergency operations, but authorities said rescue efforts remain difficult due to dangerous conditions inside the mine.

Emergency crews, medical personnel, and mining rescue specialists were deployed to the site shortly after the explosion. However, operations have reportedly been slowed by high concentrations of toxic carbon monoxide, tunnel collapses, and heavy smoke inside the shafts.

State broadcaster CCTV aired footage showing rescue workers operating under floodlights as excavators and emergency vehicles surrounded the mine entrance.

Officials said several miners sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an “all-out effort” to rescue the trapped workers and provide medical assistance to survivors.

In a statement carried by state media, Xi also called for a full investigation into the cause of the disaster and urged local governments and industrial operators to strengthen workplace safety measures.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also directed emergency agencies to intensify rescue coordination and improve safety oversight across the country’s mining sector.

Authorities confirmed that a senior executive linked to the mining operation has been taken into custody as part of the investigation.

The tragedy has renewed concerns over industrial safety standards in China’s mining industry, despite years of government efforts to reduce accidents through tighter regulations and technological monitoring systems.

Shanxi Province is China’s largest coal-producing region and plays a critical role in the country’s energy supply. The province accounts for a significant share of China’s annual coal output.

China has experienced several deadly mining accidents over the years, often linked to gas leaks, poor ventilation systems, and safety violations.

Rescue operations at the Liushenyu mine were still ongoing as of Saturday evening, with families of the trapped miners gathered near the site awaiting updates from authorities.