China, At least 90 people have died after a massive gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China, according to Chinese state media. The incident occurred Friday evening at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi province and is being described as the country’s deadliest mining disaster since 2009.

Reports said 247 workers were inside the mine when the explosion happened around 7:29 p.m. local time. More than 100 miners were rescued, while emergency teams continue searching for possible survivors. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to use every possible effort to treat the injured and carry out rescue operations. China’s State Council also announced a strict investigation and warned that anyone found responsible would face severe punishment.

According to state media, 27 injured miners remain hospitalized, including one in critical condition. Most victims reportedly suffered from inhaling toxic gas. One survivor, Wang Yong, said he suddenly saw smoke spreading through the mine and smelled sulfur before workers began collapsing from poisonous fumes. He said he lost consciousness and later escaped with another miner after regaining awareness.

Authorities have reportedly detained several members of the mine’s management team as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Initial reports indicated dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide inside the mine. Rescue operations have faced major challenges due to flooding near the blast area and inaccurate mine blueprints that complicated access to certain sections.

The Liushenyu mine had previously been identified in 2024 by China’s National Mine Safety Administration as a site with serious safety risks. The mine’s operator, Tongzhou Group, had also received safety-related penalties earlier this year. Shanxi province is responsible for more than one-quarter of China’s coal production and has a long history of mining accidents despite tighter safety regulations in recent years.

The tragedy has once again raised concerns about workplace safety in China’s coal industry. Although the country has improved mining regulations and cracked down on illegal operations over the past decade, deadly accidents continue to occur. China remains the world’s largest coal consumer and the biggest producer of greenhouse gas emissions, even as it rapidly expands renewable energy projects.