Massive gas explosion at China coal mine kills at least 82, injures 120
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At least 82 people were killed and more than 120 were hospitalized after a massive gas explosion at a coal mine in China late Friday, according to the Associated Press (AP). Two people remained missing.
The catastrophic explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County in China’s northern Shanxi province was the country’s deadliest mining disaster in recent years.
Local authorities, who launched an investigation into the incident, said they revealed “serious violations” by the mine’s operator, Shanxi Tongzhou Coal & Coal Group.
The explosion also triggered a wave of increased safety inspections in China’s coal sector, tightening the coking coal supply outlook and causing prices to rise on Monday, according to Reuters.
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Rescue teams work in the area following a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, China’s Shanxi province, on May 23, 2026. (cnsphoto via REUTERS)
The explosion triggered a chaotic scene in which thick smoke engulfed the mine, causing many victims to suffocate underground, according to the AP.
According to the news based on state broadcaster CCTV, one miner lost consciousness and many people were exposed to poisonous gas.
The explosion reportedly intensified scrutiny from Chinese authorities; Officials said inspectors found numerous violations in the area, but details remained unclear.
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On May 23, 2026, a fatal gas explosion occurred in the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi province, China. (China Daily via REUTERS)
China’s National Mine Safety Administration had previously classified the mine as disaster-prone due to its “high gas content” in 2024, the AP reported.
State media also reported that plans provided by the mine did not match the actual layout of the site, complicating rescue operations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for full-scale efforts to rescue those still missing and ordered a comprehensive investigation to hold those responsible accountable, AP reported, citing the official Xinhua News Agency.
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After a massive gas explosion, rescue teams arrived at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi province, China, on May 23, 2026. (cnsphoto via REUTERS)
The state-run publication later reported that company officials linked to the disaster had been “contained,” according to the AP.
China has faced a series of deadly mining disasters in recent years despite authorities vowing to strengthen control over the industry.
In 2023, at least 53 people died following news of a collapse in an open-pit mine in Inner Mongolia.
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It was reported that 108 people died in an explosion in a coal mine in Heilongjiang province in 2009.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
