A devastating gas explosion at a coal mine in China has claimed the lives of at least 82 individuals and resulted in the hospitalization of over 120 others, as reported by the Associated Press (AP). The tragedy, which occurred late Friday, has also left two people unaccounted for.
The explosion took place at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, situated in the northern Shanxi province, marking the most lethal mining accident in China in recent times.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the disaster, revealing “serious violations” committed by the mine’s operator, Shanxi Tongzhou Coal & Coke Group.
In response to the incident, China has intensified safety inspections across its coal industry. This move has tightened the supply of coking coal, leading to a surge in prices as of Monday, according to Reuters.
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Rescue teams are currently at the scene of the gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi province, China, as of May 23, 2026. This image is courtesy of cnsphoto via REUTERS.
According to the AP, the explosion triggered a chaotic scene where thick smoke engulfed the mine and suffocated many victims underground.
One miner lost consciousness, while many others suffered from toxic gas exposure, the outlet added, citing state broadcaster CCTV.
The explosion has reportedly intensified scrutiny from Chinese officials, who said investigators found multiple violations at the site, though details remain unclear.
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A deadly gas explosion ripped through the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi province, China on May 23, 2026. (China Daily via REUTERS)
In 2024, China’s National Mine Safety Administration had previously classified the mine as disaster-prone due to its “high gas content,” the AP reported.
State media also reported that blueprints provided by the mine did not match the site’s actual layout, complicating rescue operations, the outlet added.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a full-scale effort to rescue those still missing and ordered a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable, the AP said, citing official Xinhua News Agency.
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Following a major gas explosion, rescuers arrive at Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi province, China May 23, 2026. (cnsphoto via REUTERS)
The state-run outlet later reported that company officials connected to the disaster had been “placed under control,” according to the AP.
China has suffered a string of deadly mining disasters in recent decades even as officials have pledged to strengthen oversight of the sector.
In 2023, at least 53 people were killed in Inner Mongolia following reports of a collapse at an open-pit mine.
In 2009, a reported explosion at a coal mine in Heilongjiang province left 108 people dead.
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