Beijing, China – The death toll from the deadly coal mine explosion in northern China has risen to more than 50, according to state media reports Saturday morning. This latest tragedy has rocked China’s energy sector, following an earlier report of eight fatalities. Dozens more miners remain trapped underground in the collapsed mine shaft.
Rescue operations are ongoing at the explosion site.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV quoted its reporters on the ground as saying, “Reporters at the site of the gas explosion at the Liuchinyu coal mine have learned that the tragic accident has claimed the lives of more than 50 people so far.” The broadcaster added that rescue and civil defense teams are working tirelessly in the ongoing rescue operations. Efforts are still underway to find any possible survivors trapped under the rubble.
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued strict and urgent directives for intensive and comprehensive rescue efforts following the gas explosion.
The official Xinhua News Agency reported that the powerful explosion occurred late Friday evening at the Liuxinyu coal mine in Qinyuan County. Approximately 247 workers were performing their regular duties underground at the time of the disaster.
Presidential directives for rigorous investigation and accountability
The Chinese president called on local authorities and emergency services to “spare no effort” in treating the injured and intensifying search and rescue operations. He also ordered the formation of a government committee to conduct a thorough and meticulous investigation to determine the root cause of the explosion and to hold those responsible strictly accountable.
Premier Li Keqiang echoed these instructions, calling for the accurate and timely release of information and data on the victims. He also demanded that those responsible for any shortcomings in occupational safety procedures be held firmly accountable.
Heavy toll underground
By Saturday morning, emergency teams had successfully brought 201 people to the surface. Eight bodies were initially recovered, but then shocking news emerged, with official media confirming the death toll had risen to over 50. The local emergency management department in Qinyuan confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing. Meanwhile, an investigation is underway to determine the technical cause of the explosion.
