Death toll rises to 90 in North China coal mine accident
The death toll from a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China’s Shanxi province has risen sharply to 90, according to state broadcaster CCTV on Saturday.
The incident occurred late Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, where 247 workers were on duty underground at the time, Xinhua News Agency reported earlier.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered authorities to make “all-out efforts” in treating the injured and carrying out ongoing rescue operations. He also called for a full investigation into the cause of the explosion and strict accountability in line with the law, according to Xinhua.
Premier Li Qiang issued similar instructions, emphasizing the need for timely and accurate public communication along with strict enforcement of responsibility.
Local emergency management authorities in Qinyuan said rescue operations are still underway while investigations into the cause of the disaster continue.
China has reduced coal mine fatalities significantly since the early 2000s through stricter safety regulations and improved mining practices. However, the Liushenyu disaster is now considered one of the deadliest mining accidents reported in the country over the past decade.
Xinhua also reported that executives of the company operating the mine have been detained as part of the investigation.
Earlier reports had indicated only eight fatalities, with more than 200 miners rescued. Authorities did not immediately explain the sudden increase in the death toll.
