Tragic accident in China's "coal capital".

(Chinhphu.vn) - A particularly serious gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi province, northern China, on the evening of May 22nd killed at least 82 people, becoming one of the country's most serious industrial disasters in years.

The scene of the Liushenyu coal mine explosion in Shanxi, China, on May 23 (Photo: Xinhua).

According to Xinhua news agency, a total of 247 workers were working underground at the time of the explosion, of which 201 had been brought to the surface safely by 6:00 a.m. on May 23.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "every effort" to be made to treat the injured and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.

President Xi Jinping "emphasized that all localities and ministries must learn from this accident, always maintain vigilance regarding workplace safety… and resolutely prevent and limit the occurrence of serious and catastrophic accidents."

"Rescue operations are still underway. The number of casualties is being tallied," CCTV reported, adding that some people are still missing.

"Every effort" is being made to save those still trapped.

President Xi Jinping called for addressing the aftermath of the accident and conducting a thorough investigation into its cause, while also holding those responsible accountable according to the law.

CCTV footage showed numerous professional mine rescue vehicles and ambulances at the scene. More than 400 personnel are involved in the underground rescue operation.

Initially, local authorities reported only 8 deaths and dozens of people trapped. However, by noon on May 23, the death toll had skyrocketed to 82, while 9 missing workers were still being urgently searched for by rescue teams.

Images released by China Central Television (CCTV) show numerous rescue workers continuously carrying stretchers out of the mine area amidst a series of ambulances waiting outside.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "every effort" to be made to rescue those still trapped, and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident and the holding of those responsible accountable.

According to Chinese media, authorities have detained a mining company employee for questioning.

Shanxi Province is considered China's "coal capital," producing nearly one-third of the country's total coal output. Although workplace safety has improved in recent years, serious accidents are still frequent in China's mining industry due to lax safety procedures and intense production pressure.

An Binh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/tai-nan-tham-khoc-tai-thu-phu-than-da-cua-trung-quoc-102260523160948004.htm