China's worst coal mine disaster in over a decade kills 90 in Shanxi explosion

At least 90 miners have died in a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in China's northern Shanxi Province, marking the country's deadliest mining disaster since 2009. The explosion occurred late Friday, trapping 247 workers underground at the time.

The Liushenyu mine, located in Qinyuan county, is operated by Shanxi Tongzhou Group Liushengu Coal Industry, established in 2010 and controlled by Shanxi Tongzhou Coal Coking Group. Rescue operations commenced immediately following the blast, and the local emergency management authority in Qinyuan has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

President Xi Jinping has called for authorities to "spare no effort" in treating the injured and conducting search and rescue operations. He also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the accident's cause and demanded strict accountability in accordance with the law. Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need for timely and accurate information release and rigorous accountability.

China has made strides in reducing coal mine fatalities, which were often caused by gas explosions or flooding, since the early 2000s through improved regulations and safety practices. However, this incident underscores the persistent dangers in the sector. In 2009, a similar coal and gas outburst in Heilongjiang Province resulted in 108 deaths and 133 injuries. Executives from the company responsible for the Liushenyu mine have reportedly been detained.

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spare no effort