Xi Jinping Orders Full Rescue After Shanxi Coal Mine Gas Explosion Kills Eight

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered an all-out rescue operation after a deadly gas explosion struck a coal mine in northern China’s Shanxi province, leaving eight workers dead and 38 others trapped underground. The incident occurred late Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, according to Chinese state media reports.

Authorities said 247 miners were working underground when the explosion happened. By early Saturday, rescue teams had successfully brought 201 workers to the surface, while emergency crews continued searching for the remaining trapped miners. Local emergency management officials confirmed that rescue efforts were still underway as investigators worked to determine the cause of the explosion.

President Xi urged officials to “spare no effort” in rescuing trapped workers and treating the injured. He also demanded a full investigation into the disaster and called for strict legal accountability for those responsible if safety violations are discovered. Chinese Premier Li Qiang echoed the president’s instructions, emphasizing the importance of transparent information sharing and stronger mine safety enforcement.

The accident has once again raised concerns over coal mine safety in China, where mining incidents continue to occur despite repeated government promises to improve working conditions and tighten safety regulations. Shanxi province is one of China’s largest coal-producing regions and has experienced several mining accidents in recent years.

Coal mine explosions in China are often linked to gas leaks, inadequate ventilation, and poor safety management. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into whether operational failures or safety negligence contributed to the tragedy.

The Shanxi coal mine explosion has drawn nationwide attention as rescue teams race against time to locate the remaining trapped workers and prevent further casualties.