Gas Explosion at China coal mine kills at least 90 workers in Shanxi Province

At least 90 people were killed after a massive gas explosion struck a coal mine in China’s Shanxi province on Friday, marking one of the country’s deadliest mining disasters in more than a decade.

According to Chinese state media, around 247 workers were underground at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county when the blast occurred.

Emergency rescue teams rushed to the site and continued search operations for survivors. Authorities said the explosion took place shortly after a carbon monoxide alert was issued, with reports suggesting gas levels had exceeded safety limits.

Chinese state broadcaster CGTN reported that the official responsible for overseeing the mine has been arrested as investigations into the cause of the explosion continue.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged authorities nationwide to learn from the tragedy and strengthen workplace safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In a statement, Xi called for stricter monitoring of risks and hidden dangers, stressing the need to prevent major industrial accidents across the country.

Videos circulating online showed ambulances and rescue vehicles gathered outside the mine following the explosion.

Shanxi province is China’s largest coal-producing region and accounts for nearly one-third of the country’s total coal output. China remains the world’s biggest producer and consumer of coal despite expanding investments in renewable energy.

Coal mining accidents remain a major concern in China due to poor safety standards, weak regulation and operational negligence.