A coal mine explosion in northern China has resulted in 90 fatalities, while the Chinese government has ordered a strict investigation into the facts of the incident.
Foreign news agencies reported on 23 May 2026 that a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi Province, northern China, last Friday has killed at least 90 people. The Chinese government has ordered a strict investigation to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
Reports state that 247 workers were inside the mine when the explosion occurred at 19:29 local time on Friday, 22 May. So far, more than 100 people have been safely rescued, and 345 rescue personnel from six teams have been dispatched to the site.
However, rescue operations have faced difficulties due to water accumulation near the explosion site, preventing access to some areas. Additionally, the mine's blueprints do not match the actual conditions underground.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that full efforts must be made to treat the injured and search for survivors. Afterwards, the Chinese cabinet announced that the investigation will be conducted "strictly," and those responsible will be "severely punished."
Government media reported that 27 injured people remain hospitalized locally, with one in critical condition and the others with minor injuries. Most patients suffered from inhalation of toxic gas, but the specific type of gas is not yet confirmed.
There are reports that some mine management team members have been detained, but the cause of the gas explosion has not yet been disclosed. Government media indicated that carbon monoxide levels inside the mine, a highly toxic and odorless gas, were "above the allowed limit."
Previously, in 2024, the Liushenyu mine was listed by China’s National Mine Safety Administration as one of the sites with "serious safety hazards." Tongzhou Group, the mine operator, had been penalized twice in 2025 for safety issues.
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Source:bbc