Qinyuan, China. At least 90 people were killed in a gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s northern province of Shanxi, the country’s deadliest mining accident since at least 2009. The incident occurred late on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county.
Explosion and rescue response
State media Xinhua reported that 247 workers were on duty underground at the time of the explosion. The local emergency management authority in Qinyuan said rescue operations were ongoing and the cause of the accident was under investigation.
Shanxi provincial authorities have dispatched seven rescue and medical teams totalling 755 personnel to the site, according to the emergency management bureau at Qinyuan.
Mine operator and detentions
The mine is operated by Shanxi Tongzhou Group Liushenyu Coal Industry, established in 2010 and controlled by Shanxi Tongzhou Coal Coking Group, according to corporate database Qichacha. Xinhua reported that executives of the company responsible for the mine have been detained.
National leadership calls for investigation
President Xi Jinping called for authorities to “spare no effort” in treating the injured and conducting search and rescue operations, while ordering a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and strict accountability in accordance with the law, according to Xinhua.
Premier Li Qiang called for timely and accurate release of information and rigorous accountability.
Context on mining safety
China has significantly reduced coal mine fatalities since the early 2000s through more stringent regulations and safer practices, though deaths have often been caused by gas explosions or flooding. In 2009, a coal and gas outburst in Heilongjiang Province killed 108 people and injured 133.
What do you think should be prioritised to improve safety in coal mining operations?
