At least 90 dead in Chinese coal mine explosion, rescue operations continue in Shanxi

At least 90 people have died following a massive coal mine explosion in northern China’s Shanxi province, according to updated figures reported by Chinese state media on May 23. The blast is among the deadliest mining accidents reported in China in recent years.

The explosion took place at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi province, on May 22 evening while hundreds of miners were working underground. Initial reports had placed the death toll significantly lower, but casualty numbers rose sharply as rescue teams gained access to deeper sections of the mine.

According to state broadcaster CGTN and Chinese authorities, the incident was caused by a suspected gas explosion inside the mine. Rescue personnel, firefighters, medical teams and mine safety officials were deployed immediately after the blast.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered “all-out rescue efforts” and called for authorities to do everything possible to save trapped workers, treat the injured and prevent secondary disasters. He also instructed officials to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and strengthen mine safety enforcement.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang separately directed emergency agencies and provincial authorities to intensify rescue operations and review safety standards in coal-producing regions.

Shanxi is China’s largest coal-producing province and plays a central role in the country’s energy supply chain. Despite tighter regulations introduced over the past decade, China’s mining industry continues to face recurring safety concerns, especially involving gas explosions and underground collapses.

Chinese authorities said several senior officials and safety inspectors have been sent to the site to oversee rescue operations and the investigation. State media also reported that the person in charge of the mining company has been detained pending inquiry.

Videos circulating on Chinese social media showed emergency vehicles, ambulances and rescue workers gathered outside the mine as families waited for updates on trapped workers. However, authorities have not officially confirmed how many miners remain missing underground.

While mining fatalities in China have declined compared to previous decades due to stricter oversight and closure of smaller mines, major accidents still occur periodically, particularly in high-output coal regions.

Officials have not yet released the final cause of the explosion, and rescue operations were still underway at the time of reporting.