China mine explosion kills 82 in worst disaster since 2009

A devastating gas leak explosion at a coal mine in China's Shanxi province has resulted in the deaths of 82 miners, marking the nation's deadliest mining accident since 2009. The incident occurred at the Liushenyu mine in Qinyuan county on Friday evening, trapping numerous workers underground.

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maximum effort

President Xi Jinping has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the disaster and mandated maximum efforts to rescue survivors and support victims' families. Initial findings suggest the company managing the site, Shanxi Tongzhou Group Liushenyu Coal Industry, is culpable of serious legal violations. Premier Li Qiang has called for transparency and accountability, with reports indicating that several company executives have been taken into custody pending a "rigorous and uncompromising" investigation.

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transparency in information and rigorous attribution of responsibilities.

Chinese state media released harrowing images of rescue operations, with emergency responders transporting injured miners. At the time of the explosion, 247 workers were reportedly in the mine. While many managed to escape, 128 individuals were hospitalized, with four in critical condition. One survivor recounted hearing a sudden explosion, smelling sulfur, and seeing colleagues suffocate before losing consciousness.

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a sudden explosion, followed by a strong smell of sulfur. I saw people suffocating in the smoke, then I lost consciousness.

Shanxi province is a major coal-producing region in China, the world's largest coal consumer. Despite strengthened safety regulations and controls implemented over the past two decades, which have significantly reduced mining fatalities compared to the early 2000s, tragic accidents continue to occur, often attributed to inadequate safety standards and illegal practices within the sector.

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I woke up about an hour later and managed to get out of the mine with other colleagues.