International

IIE DIGITAL DESK : China after a massive explosion at a coal mine claimed the lives of at least 90 people. According to reports, several workers are still trapped inside the mine, while rescue operations are continuing on a war footing to search for survivors and recover those trapped underground.

Chinese media reports, the explosion occurred on Friday evening at the Liusheniu Coal Mine located in Changzhi city of northern Shanxi province. At the time of the incident, around 247 workers were reportedly working inside the mine.

Sources stated that during mining operations, the level of poisonous carbon monoxide gas suddenly increased inside the coal mine, leading to the catastrophic explosion. Reports also said that a massive fire broke out inside the mine following the blast, making rescue efforts extremely difficult and dangerous.

After receiving information about the disaster, police teams, rescue personnel, firefighters, and ambulances rushed to the spot. Rescue operations have been continuing continuously since the incident took place. So far, at least 90 deaths have been confirmed, though authorities fear the death toll could rise further as many workers may still be trapped inside the mine.

Chinese authorities have not yet clearly stated how many workers remain trapped underground. Emergency teams are using specialised equipment and protective gear while conducting search and rescue work inside the damaged sections of the mine.

Coal mine accidents and deaths have remained a serious issue in China for many years, often drawing criticism against the government of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Allegations have repeatedly surfaced that adequate attention is not given to the safety of mining workers and that poor safety standards continue to put labourers at risk.

To reduce mining accidents, Beijing introduced several special safety regulations in the year 2000. Despite those measures, deadly accidents in coal mines continue to occur frequently across the country, raising fresh concerns over worker safety and enforcement of mining regulations.