Death toll in China coal mine blast reaches 90

A gas explosion at a coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi province, northern China, has claimed the lives of 90 people, according to state media CCTV on Saturday. The incident took place late Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine, where 247 workers were on duty underground. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged authorities to make every effort to treat the injured and conduct search and rescue operations. He also called for a thorough investigation into the explosion and for those responsible to be held legally accountable. Premier Li Qiang reinforced these directives, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate information release and strict enforcement of accountability. Rescue operations remain ongoing as local emergency management officials investigate the cause of the accident. China has made significant progress in reducing coal mine fatalities over the past two decades, often caused by gas explosions or flooding, through stricter safety regulations and improved operational practices.