Coal mine explosion in China kills at least 90 people.

At least 90 people have died in a gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi province, northern China.

The incident became the country's most serious mining accident since 2009.

Rescue workers are seen at the scene following a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province, China, on May 23. Photo: Reuters

According to Xinhua News Agency, the accident occurred at 9:43 PM on May 22 (local time) at the Liu Chenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, when a total of 247 workers were working underground.

According to local emergency management in Qinyuan, rescue operations are ongoing and the cause of the accident is under investigation. Shanxi is a major coal mining center in China.

Authorities in Shanxi province have dispatched seven rescue and medical teams with a total of 755 personnel to the scene, according to the emergency management agency of Qinyuan County.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged authorities to “make every effort” to treat the injured and conduct search and rescue operations, while also demanding a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident and strict legal action against those responsible.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang demanded timely and accurate information disclosure and strict accountability.

China has significantly reduced coal mining fatalities, which are often caused by gas explosions or flooding, since the early 2000s, thanks to stricter regulations and the implementation of safer practices.

In 2009, a coal and gas explosion in Heilongjiang province killed 108 people and injured 133.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/no-mo-than-trung-quoc-it-nhat-90-nguoi-thiet-mang-836922.html