Shaanxi, May 23 (V7N) – At least 90 people have been killed following a massive gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s Shaanxi province, according to reports from international media.
The incident occurred on Friday (May 22), as reported by Al Jazeera citing local sources.
China’s state news agency Xinhua News Agency reported that 247 workers were inside the mine at the time of the explosion. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams continuing to search for missing workers.
Authorities said a carbon monoxide warning had been issued prior to the blast, and some reports indicate that gas levels inside the mine had exceeded safe limits before the incident.
Following the disaster, China’s state broadcaster CGTN reported that the mine’s supervisory official has been detained as part of an ongoing investigation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for nationwide safety inspections and stricter enforcement of workplace safety regulations, urging authorities to identify risks and prevent further industrial accidents.
Shaanxi province is one of China’s largest coal-producing regions, contributing heavily to the country’s coal output. Despite rapid industrial growth, coal mining in China remains highly hazardous, with safety concerns frequently raised over compliance and oversight.
END/SMA/AJ
