Anna Hartz
Coal mining remains one of the world’s most dangerous industries.
Even with modern technology and safety systems, accidents underground can turn deadly within seconds. Explosions, toxic gas leaks, and tunnel collapses continue to put thousands of workers at risk every year, especially in countries with large mining sectors.
People still trapped
A major disaster struck northern China on Friday after a gas explosion ripped through the Liushenyu coal mine, reports El Economista. At least 90 people have been confirmed dead, while several others are still trapped underground.
Chinese state media reported that more than 250 workers were believed to be inside the mine when the explosion happened at around 7:29 p.m. local time. Rescue teams worked through the night to bring survivors back to the surface.
By Saturday morning, officials said 201 miners had been rescued safely. However, authorities also admitted that they still do not know the exact number of people who were underground at the time of the blast.
Initial investigations showed that carbon monoxide levels inside the mine had risen far above legal safety limits shortly before the explosion. Toxic gas is one of the biggest dangers in coal mines because it can spread quickly through underground tunnels and leave workers with little chance to escape.
An official connected to the mine operator, Shanxi Tongzhou Group, has been taken into police custody for questioning as investigators try to determine what caused the disaster.
China’s worst mining disaster since 2009
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered emergency crews to do everything possible to rescue those still trapped and care for the injured. According to a statement released by the Chinese government, authorities were instructed to organize search operations carefully and manage the aftermath of the accident.
The explosion is now considered China’s worst mining disaster since 2009, when another coal mine blast in Heilongjiang province killed 108 people.
Mining accidents have decreased in China over the past two decades as safety rules became stricter. Still, the country continues to record deadly incidents, especially in older mines or sites facing pressure to maintain production.
Families gathered outside the mine waiting for updates as rescue workers continued searching underground. Emergency crews are still dealing with dangerous conditions inside the tunnels, including gas buildup and unstable structures.
The investigation into the explosion is ongoing. Authorities are expected to examine safety procedures, equipment conditions, and whether warnings were ignored before the blast occurred.
