China Coal Mine Blast: 89 Dead After Gas Explosion at Shanxi Mine, Xi Jinping Orders ‘All Out Rescue’ (Watch Video)
At least 89 people have died after a massive gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Changzhi city in northern China, according to reports. The death toll rose sharply overnight from the initially reported eight fatalities as rescue teams continued operations at the site.
At least 89 people have died after a massive gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Changzhi city in northern China, according to reports. The death toll rose sharply overnight from the initially reported eight fatalities as rescue teams continued operations at the site.
State broadcaster CCTV said rescuers at the scene confirmed that the accident had claimed more than 89 lives. The explosion occurred around 7:30 pm local time on Friday at the coal mine in Shanxi province, one of China’s biggest coal-producing regions. China Explosion: Deadly Blast at Huasheng Fireworks Plant in Changsha Leaves 26 Dead, 61 Injured; Manufacturing Stopped (Watch Videos).
Carbon Monoxide Levels Had Reportedly Exceeded Limits
Earlier reports suggested that carbon monoxide levels inside the mine had “exceeded limits” before the blast, raising concerns over possible safety failures and hazardous working conditions. China Explosion: Fireworks Factory Blast in Changsha Kills 21, Injures 61; Evacuations Ordered Over Black Powder Risk (Watch Video).
China Coal Mine Blast
Emergency response teams rushed to the site following the explosion, while rescue operations continued through the night in search of trapped workers.
Xi Jinping Orders Investigation
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an “all out rescue” effort for the missing miners and called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster.
According to state media reports, authorities have also been instructed to hold those responsible accountable once the investigation is completed.
The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Shanxi Is China’s Key Coal-Producing Province
Shanxi province is China’s main coal-producing hub and accounts for nearly one-third of the country’s total coal output. The province, home to around 34 million people, produced about 1.3 billion tons of coal last year.
China’s mining industry has witnessed several deadly accidents over the years despite repeated government pledges to improve safety standards at coal mines across the country.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2026 11:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).