China coal mine blast death toll rises to 82, nine still missing in Shanxi

The death toll from a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China has risen sharply to at least 82, while nine people remain missing, according to state media reports on Saturday.

The explosion took place late Friday at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Qinyuan County, where 247 workers were reportedly underground at the time of the incident.

Xi Jinping urged authorities to make every effort to treat the injured and intensify search-and-rescue operations. He also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and strict legal accountability for those found responsible.

Li Qiang echoed the call, urging officials to ensure timely disclosure of information and enforce responsibility measures rigorously.

Local emergency authorities said rescue operations were continuing and that the cause of the blast remains under investigation.

The incident is among the deadliest mining disasters reported in China in recent years. While the country has significantly reduced coal mining fatalities since the early 2000s through tighter safety standards and improved practices, accidents linked to gas explosions and flooding continue to occur.

State media also reported that executives of the company operating the mine have been taken into custody as investigations proceed.

Earlier reports had placed the death toll at eight, with more than 200 workers rescued safely. Authorities did not immediately explain the sharp increase in confirmed fatalities.