Beijing, May 23, 2026 — At least 90 people have been confirmed dead following a catastrophic gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, according to Chinese state media.
The explosion occurred on Friday evening while approximately 247 workers were on duty underground. Initial reports indicated a smaller death toll, but rescue teams later uncovered the full scale of the tragedy as recovery operations continued through Saturday.
Chinese state news agency reported that several miners remain trapped beneath the surface, while dozens of others suffered injuries, many caused by exposure to toxic gases released during the blast.
Chinese President ordered an all-out rescue effort and called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. Authorities have pledged to hold those responsible accountable if safety violations are discovered.
Shanxi Province, often referred to as China's coal heartland, produces nearly one-third of the nation's coal output and employs hundreds of thousands of miners. Despite improvements in industrial safety standards over recent decades, mining accidents continue to pose significant risks across the sector.
Rescue crews, medical personnel, and emergency responders remain at the site as efforts continue to locate the remaining missing workers. Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the explosion.
The disaster ranks among the deadliest mining accidents in China in recent years and has renewed concerns over workplace safety within the country's vast coal industry.
Reporter: DeepState Network International Desk
