China mine collapse kills five, days after deadly Shanxi blast

A mine collapse in China's southwestern Yunnan province has claimed the lives of five workers, underscoring the persistent safety issues plaguing the country's mining sector. The incident occurred at an illegal excavation site in Huize County early on May 31, trapping six workers.

Rescue teams managed to retrieve the trapped individuals, but five later succumbed to their injuries. The sole survivor is reported to be in stable condition. Investigations into the collapse and accountability are currently underway, according to Xinhua News Agency.

This latest tragedy follows closely on the heels of a devastating gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi province on May 22. That blast resulted in at least 82 fatalities and injured over 120 people, marking China's deadliest mining disaster in more than a decade.

The string of accidents has intensified scrutiny on safety practices, particularly after Premier Li Qiang chaired a national safety meeting on May 30. During the meeting, Li warned of heavy losses caused by frequent accidents in certain regions and sectors. He urged officials to enhance inspections, strictly enforce regulations, and tighten oversight in high-risk industries such as mining, fireworks, transportation, and construction.