Saturday, May 23, 2026
A devastating coal mine explosion in northern China has claimed the lives of at least 90 persons, with authorities confirming a large-scale rescue operation and the detention of mine operators as investigations begin.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi Province, a region known as one of China’s largest coal-producing hubs.
According to reports from Chinese state media, the explosion happened around 7:29pm local time while hundreds of miners were working underground during routine operations. At the time of the blast, about 247 workers were said to be on duty inside the mine.
Emergency teams were immediately deployed to the scene, with hundreds of rescue personnel working through the night in difficult underground conditions. Ambulances were seen stationed outside the mine as injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Authorities confirmed that more than 100 miners sustained injuries, while fears remain that several others may still be trapped underground as search-and-rescue operations continue.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered a full-scale emergency response, directing rescue teams to intensify efforts to locate survivors and ensure proper medical care for the injured. He also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster and accountability for any safety violations.
Officials have reportedly detained operators of the mine as investigators examine possible negligence and safety lapses. Preliminary findings suggest dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide may have contributed to the explosion. The gas is known to be highly toxic in confined underground environments.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management confirmed that 345 emergency personnel from six rescue teams have been deployed to the disaster site.
The Liushenyu Coal Mine disaster adds to a long history of mining tragedies in China, particularly in Shanxi Province, which has witnessed several fatal accidents over the years despite tighter safety regulations introduced in recent years.
In past incidents, China has recorded similar disasters, including a 2023 mine collapse in Inner Mongolia that killed more than 50 people, highlighting ongoing concerns about industrial safety standards.
As rescue operations continue, authorities say the final death toll may still rise.
More details shortly…
— SUNTV Global Channel
