A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Changzhi, northern Shanxi, killed at least 82 people and left more than 120 hospitalized, with two still missing. The death toll was revised downward from earlier reports. Rescue efforts continued with hundreds of rescuers and medical personnel, and many injured miners were hurt by toxic gas. Local authorities described the immediate scene as chaotic and said early figures were not final. Investigations were launched into the explosion, with authorities citing serious legal violations by the mine operator. The company’s responsible parties were placed under control, and a State Council investigation team was sent to conduct a rigorous probe. President Xi Jinping called for all-out rescue, thorough investigation, and accountability under the law.
"The explosion was under investigation, local officials said, adding there were "serious violations" of the law by the mine's operator. They did not elaborate on any specific violations. Earlier on Saturday, Xinhua reported that rescue work was pressing on a day after the accident, with hundreds of rescuers and medical personnel sent to the site. Among the injured, many were hurt by toxic gas, according to CCTV."
"At a news conference late Saturday, local authorities said 82 were dead and that more than 120 people were hospitalized. Two were still missing. The death toll was a revised, lower number from earlier reports by state broadcaster CCTV that said 90 had died. The scene at the coal mine was "chaotic" in the immediate aftermath of the accident, they said, and figures provided at the time were initial and not definite."
"Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an all-out effort to rescue the missing, Xinhua reported. Xi also called for a "thorough investigation" and accountability "in accordance with the law." Xinhua later reported that those responsible for the company involved in the mine accident have been "placed under control," citing the local emergency management bureau. An investigation team sent by China's powerful State Council, equivalent to the country's Cabinet, would be conducting a "rigorous and uncompromising" probe into the deadly explosion."
"Wang Yong, one of the hospitalized miners, told CCTV in a video interview that he smelled sulfur "like firecrackers" and saw smoke. "I told people to run," he said."
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