Lagatar24 Desk
Beijing: A massive explosion at a coal mine in Qinyuan County of China’s Shanxi province has killed at least 90 workers, with 9 miners still reported missing in what is being described as the deadliest mining accident in China in the past decade.
How the Disaster Unfolded
According to state media, a carbon monoxide alert had been issued at the mine on Friday, shortly after which a powerful explosion occurred. At the time of the blast, 247 workers were inside the mine. While many were evacuated safely, several remained trapped underground. Rescue teams are continuing their search for missing workers.
President Xi and PM Issue Directives
President Xi Jinping has directed authorities to intensify rescue operations and take strict action against those responsible for the accident. Premier Li Qiang has also instructed officials to make every effort to bring out the missing workers as quickly as possible and to immediately investigate the cause of the explosion.
History of Mining Accidents in China
Shanxi province is China’s largest coal-producing region. Despite government claims of improved mine safety, accidents have continued. In February 2023, a landslide at a mine in Inner Mongolia killed 53 workers, and last month another mining incident in Shanxi claimed four lives.
