A massive gas explosion at a coal mine in China has killed at least 82 people and injured 120
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At least 82 people died and more than 120 were hospitalized after a massive gas explosion at a coal mine in China on Friday, according to the Associated Press (AP). Two people remain missing.
The fatal explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, in the northern Shanxi province, marked the worst mining disaster in years.
Local officials, who have launched an investigation into the incident, said they had found “serious violations” by the mine’s operator, Shanxi Tongzhou Coal & Coke Group.
The explosion also prompted increased scrutiny of China’s coal sector, bolstering the outlook for coal imports and sending prices higher on Monday, according to Reuters.
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Rescuers work at the site following a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province, China on May 23, 2026. (cnsphoto via REUTERS)
According to AP, the explosion caused chaos as smoke engulfed the mine and suffocated many victims underground.
One miner fainted, while several others were exposed to poisonous gas, the source said, citing state broadcaster CCTV.
The explosion is reported to have intensified the scrutiny of Chinese officials, who say investigators have found multiple violations in the area, although details remain unclear.
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A dangerous gas explosion ripped through the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province, China on May 23, 2026. (China Daily via REUTERS)
In 2024, China’s National Mine Safety Administration once classified the mine as disaster-prone due to “gas overload,” the AP reported.
State media also reported that the plans provided by the mine did not match the actual structure of the site, making rescue operations difficult, the source said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an all-out effort to rescue those still missing and ordered a thorough investigation to bring charges, AP said, citing an official from the Xinhua News Agency.
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Following a massive gas explosion, rescuers arrive at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province, China on May 23, 2026. (cnsphoto via REUTERS)
A state-run agency later reported that company officials connected to the disaster were “placed under surveillance,” according to the AP.
China has been hit by a series of mining disasters in recent decades as officials have vowed to tighten oversight of the sector.
In 2023, at least 53 people died in Inner Mongolia following reports of an open pit mine collapse.
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In 2009, an explosion at a coal mine in Heilongjiang province was reported and left 108 people dead.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
