China Coal Mine Explosion Kills 90, Rescue Teams Search for Missing Miners in Shanxi

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At least 90 miners were killed and several others injured after a massive gas explosion ripped through a coal mine in China’s northern Shanxi province, triggering one of the country’s deadliest mining disasters in recent years. The explosion took place on Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Changzhi city while hundreds of workers were underground carrying out routine operations.

According to Chinese state media, 247 miners were inside the mine at the time of the blast. Rescue operations continued through the night and into Saturday as emergency teams searched for survivors trapped beneath the surface. Authorities confirmed that nine workers were still missing, while more than 120 people were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Many of the injured reportedly suffered from toxic gas inhalation after the explosion filled underground tunnels with dangerous fumes. Medical teams and rescue personnel remained stationed at the site as ambulances moved continuously between the mine and local hospitals.

Survivors described scenes of panic and confusion moments after the explosion. One miner told state broadcaster CCTV that he regained consciousness after lying underground for nearly an hour before helping nearby workers escape through emergency passages.

The Chinese government launched a large-scale rescue mission immediately after the incident. More than 700 emergency responders, firefighters, doctors, and mining specialists were deployed to the area. Heavy machinery and specialised equipment were also brought in to clear debris and reach blocked sections of the mine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to make every effort to locate the missing miners and provide proper medical care to the injured. He also directed officials to carry out a detailed investigation into the cause of the explosion and ensure accountability for anyone found responsible.

Reports later stated that officials connected to the mining company had been taken into custody as investigators began examining possible safety violations and operational failures.

The mine is operated by the Shanxi Tongzhou Coal & Coke Group and reportedly produces around 1.2 million tons of coal annually. Chinese safety authorities had earlier classified the mine as disaster-prone because of its high gas concentration levels, raising fresh concerns about industrial safety standards in the country’s mining sector.

Shanxi province is known as China’s biggest coal-producing region and plays a major role in powering the country’s industries. However, the province has also witnessed several deadly mining accidents over the years despite repeated promises to improve worker safety and tighten regulations.

China remains heavily dependent on coal for energy production, even as it continues expanding renewable energy projects. Industrial accidents linked to mining operations still occur frequently, especially in regions where underground mines operate under difficult and high-risk conditions.

The latest tragedy has once again sparked debate over workplace safety, emergency preparedness, and enforcement of mining regulations across China’s coal industry.