By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: A devastating gas explosion at a coal mine in China has left at least 90 people dead, making it one of the deadliest mining accidents the country has witnessed in recent years. The tragedy has once again brought attention to ongoing concerns over mine safety and regulatory oversight in China’s coal industry.
According to reports published by Xinhua News Agency, the explosion occurred on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county of Shanxi province. At the time of the incident, around 247 miners were reportedly working underground when the blast tore through the mine shafts.
Rescue and emergency teams were immediately rushed to the site, with operations continuing to locate and assist workers believed to be trapped inside the damaged tunnels.
Initial findings suggest the explosion may have been linked to dangerously high gas concentrations inside the mine. Reports indicate that a carbon monoxide warning had been issued shortly before the blast, raising questions about whether adequate preventive measures were taken in time. Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the accident.
China remains one of the world’s largest coal producers and its mining sector has frequently faced criticism over inadequate safety practices, weak enforcement of regulations and systemic negligence. Although the government has introduced several reforms over the years, fatal mining accidents continue to occur across the country.
In response to the disaster, Xi Jinping called for an extensive nationwide review of industrial and workplace safety standards. He urged authorities across the country to strengthen inspections, eliminate potential hazards and take stronger measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Xi stated that all departments and regional authorities must draw lessons from the tragedy, remain alert to workplace risks and ensure stricter implementation of safety protocols to prevent major industrial accidents.
The incident has once again sparked debate over worker protection and industrial accountability in China’s energy sector, with many viewing the tragedy as a reminder of the risks faced by workers in the country’s rapidly expanding economy.