President Xi Jinping on Saturday urged all-out rescue efforts for those missing and treatment for those injured in a coal mine gas explosion in Shanxi.

In a press conference on Saturday night, the mayor of Changzhi City said 82 people were killed, two are unaccounted for and 128 others were injured.

The gas explosion occurred at the Liushenyu coal mine in the county at 7.29pm on Friday, with 247 workers on duty underground.

Authorities dispatched six national mine emergency rescue teams, totaling 345 personnel with equipment, to assist in rescue efforts.

An investigation team sent by the State Council has vowed to thoroughly and strictly investigate the incident.

Xi called for proper handling of the aftermath of the accident and urged a thorough investigation into its cause, with accountability pursued in accordance with the law.

He stressed that authorities across the country must learn from the accident, remain vigilant on workplace safety and intensify efforts to identify and eliminate potential risks in order to prevent major accidents.

As China has entered its flood season, he also called for strengthened emergency preparedness and solid flood control and disaster relief measures to safeguard people's lives and property. (Xinhua/CCTV)
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Last updated: 2026-05-24 HKT 00:30


Edited by Azam Khan