At least 90 miners were killed in the accident in Shanxi province. Xi Jinping directed authorities to prioritize rescue efforts, treatment of the injured, and improved workplace safety measures.

A massive accident occurred on Friday at a coal mine in China’s Shanxi province. Around 247 workers were reportedly inside the mine at the time of the incident, and nearly 90 people are feared dead. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have directed authorities to sustain rescue operations and provide necessary medical treatment to the injured.

Carbon Monoxide Gas Alert Was Issued

According to the state news agency Xinhua, the accident took place in Qinyuan County of Shanxi province, located about 520 kilometers southwest of Beijing. Experts stated that a carbon monoxide gas alert had been issued shortly before the blast occurred inside the mine. The incident is being considered one of the biggest coal mine disasters of the past decade.

Xi Jinping’s Statement

Following the accident, Xi Jinping instructed rescue teams to intensify efforts to locate the missing workers and ensure proper treatment for the injured. He also stated that those responsible for the accident would not be spared. Additionally, Xi directed the State Council’s safety department to remind local authorities of their responsibilities and ordered a serious investigation into the incident to prevent future tragedies.

Responsible Officials Taken Into Custody

According to Dainik Jagran, officials from the company responsible for the accident have been taken into custody. Earlier reports confirmed only eight deaths, though around 200 workers had been safely rescued. However, there is still no clear explanation for the sudden rise in the estimated death toll.

The accident in Shanxi has once again raised serious questions about industrial safety standards. Despite the early warning alerts, the tragedy reflects a critical negligence toward workplace safety measures.