NINETY miners were killed in a gas explosion in a coal mine in north China’s Shanxi Province, while all-out rescues are underway to reach those still unaccounted for, official media in Beijing reported on Saturday. A total of 247 workers were underground when the accident occurred on Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Changzhi. Mining disasters are common in energy-hungry China, and are largely attributed to poor working conditions and a weak regulatory framework.

 

The death toll rose to 90 following the accident, while around 123 people of those rescued are receiving treatment at hospitals, including two in critical condition and two in serious condition. Nine people remain unaccounted for as rescue operations continue to locate them, state-run media reported. “As long as there is hope, we will make every possible effort,” one rescuer told Xinhua. Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued instructions for a comprehensive rescue operation and treatment of the injured. He has called for proper handling of the aftermath of the accident and sought a thorough investigation into its cause.

 

PM expresses grief over coal mine accident in China, conveys condolences to President Xi: PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a coal mine accident in China’s Shanxi Province, and conveyed condolences to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. “Saddened by the loss of lives in a mining accident in Shanxi Province in China. On behalf of the people of India, my condolences to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. May the bereaved families find strength in this tragic hour. Praying for the early and safe recovery of all remaining missing persons,” Modi said in a post on ‘X’.