At least 90 miners killed in gas blast at coal mine in northern China

At least 90 miners killed in gas blast at coal mine in northern China
Rescuers work at the site following a gas explosion at Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi province, China, 23 May, 2026.
Reuters

At least 90 miners have died in a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China. The blast occurred on Friday at 19:29 local time (11:39 GMT) at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province, according to Chinese state media.

There were 247 workers underground at the time of the explosion.The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Rescuers are continuing searches for the missing miners.

Rescuers work at the site following a gas explosion at Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi province, China, 23 May, 2026.
Reuters

Executives of the company responsible for the mine have been detained, Xinhua reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on authorities to “spare no effort” in search and rescue operations and in treating the injured. He also ordered a full investigation into the incident and said authorities must draw lessons from the accident. 

China’s coal mining industry was once among the deadliest in the world, but fatalities have fallen significantly since the early 2000s following stricter safety regulations.

Authorities have shut down smaller mines with limited safety standards and invested in other operations to improve conditions.

The Liushenyu incident is one of China’s deadliest mining disasters in more than a decade.

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared its condolences with China.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic explosion at the coal mine in Shanxi Province of China, which resulted in the loss of many lives and injuries," the Ministry said in a statement on X. 

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wish a swift and full recovery to all those injured."

 

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