At least 90 people were killed in a gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s northern Shanxi province, making it the country’s deadliest mining accident in more than a decade, state media reported on Saturday.
The explosion occurred late on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, where 247 workers were on duty underground at the time of the incident, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Rescue operations were continuing as authorities searched for survivors and investigated the cause of the blast. The mine is operated by Shanxi Tongzhou Group Liushenyu Coal Industry, a subsidiary of Shanxi Tongzhou Coal Coking Group.
President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to spare no effort in treating the injured and carrying out search and rescue operations. He also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and strict accountability for those found responsible.
Premier Li Qiang urged officials to ensure timely and accurate disclosure of information while enforcing rigorous accountability measures.
Executives linked to the company operating the mine have been detained, Xinhua reported. Shanxi provincial authorities said seven rescue and medical teams comprising 755 personnel had been deployed to the site.
China has significantly reduced fatalities in its coal mining industry through tighter safety regulations and improved operational standards. However, accidents involving gas explosions and flooding continue to occur.
The country’s previous deadliest mining accident occurred in 2009, when a coal and gas outburst in Heilongjiang province killed 108 people and injured 133.
Shanxi province is China’s leading coal-producing region and remains at the centre of the country’s mining industry.