Massive coal mine explosion in China’s Shanxi kills at least 82, rescue operation continues

At least 82 people have been killed in a massive coal mine explosion in northern China’s Shanxi province, in one of the deadliest mining disasters reported in the country in recent years.

According to Chinese state media reports, the explosion occurred late Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county of Changzhi city. Authorities said a total of 247 workers were underground when the blast took place.

Initial reports had indicated that several miners were trapped following a gas explosion linked to dangerously high carbon monoxide levels inside the mine. However, updated figures released by local authorities on Saturday confirmed that the death toll had risen sharply to at least 82.

Rescue teams, emergency personnel and medical workers were rushed to the site overnight as authorities launched a large-scale emergency operation. State media reported that more than 200 workers were evacuated from the mine after the incident, while rescue efforts for remaining trapped miners continued through Saturday morning.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered “all-out rescue efforts” and called for a full investigation into the cause of the accident. He also directed authorities to hold those responsible accountable and strengthen workplace safety measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.

According to state news agency Xinhua, the blast happened shortly after the mine reportedly issued a carbon monoxide alert. Investigators are now examining whether gas accumulation, ventilation failure or safety lapses contributed to the explosion.

Authorities confirmed that individuals linked to the mining company have been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.

Shanxi province is China’s largest coal-producing region and plays a critical role in the country’s energy supply network. Despite improvements in industrial safety regulations over recent years, coal mining accidents continue to occur periodically across China, particularly in underground mines where gas leaks and ventilation failures remain major risks.

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to mining safety standards in China’s coal sector, which remains one of the world’s largest despite Beijing’s increasing investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

Coal mine accidents in China have historically caused significant casualties, though authorities have introduced stricter inspections and monitoring systems in recent years to reduce fatalities.

Emergency response teams remain deployed at the site as search and recovery operations continue. Officials have not yet confirmed whether additional workers remain trapped underground.