Gas Explosion in North China Coal Mine Kills at Least 90

At least 90 people have died following a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in China's Shanxi province. The incident occurred Friday evening, trapping 247 workers underground. The death toll has risen throughout the day, with initial reports indicating eight fatalities and later updates confirming 90 deaths, while nine individuals remain missing.

The explosion took place at 7:29 PM local time in the Qinyuan area. While authorities have not yet detailed the specific circumstances of the blast, rescue efforts are actively continuing. The state news agency Xinhua reported that an official from the mine's owning company has been taken into custody, signaling the commencement of an investigation into potential responsibilities for the disaster.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for intensified search operations and assistance for the injured. He also urged a thorough investigation into the explosion's causes and the assignment of responsibility. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has traveled to the site to oversee the rescue work and post-accident management.

Coal mines in China, which generate approximately 60% of the country's energy, continue to experience a high rate of accidents. Despite a significant decrease in fatal accidents in recent years, the mining sector recorded over three thousand deaths between 2018 and 2023. Official data indicates this figure represents a 53.6% reduction compared to the previous five-year period.