A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China has killed 82 people, according to state media, with rescue operations continuing and several workers still unaccounted for.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that “Rescue efforts are still underway. The number of casualties is still being tallied,” adding that nine people remain missing following the incident, CNN reports.
It was not immediately clear how many miners may still be trapped underground at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province.
Earlier, the state news agency Xinhua reported that carbon monoxide levels “exceeded limits” inside the mine located in the city of Changzhi.
The explosion occurred at around 7:30 p.m. local time on May 22, when 247 workers were underground. According to Xinhua, at least 201 people had been evacuated by early Saturday morning, on May 23.
China’s coal industry remains a key pillar of the country’s energy system, accounting for more than half of national energy consumption, despite ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Shanxi province, a major coal-producing region, has long faced criticism over mining safety, with thousands of accidents reported in recent years.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation, Xinhua said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an “all-out rescue” of those missing and urged a thorough investigation into the incident. He also “urged a thorough investigation into its cause, with accountability pursued in accordance with the law,” according to Xinhua.
By Sabina Mammadli
