Chinese authorities have revised the death toll from the massive coal mine explosion in northern China to 82, correcting earlier reports that claimed 90 miners had died in the disaster.
The deadly gas explosion took place at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province, one of China’s major coal producing regions. Officials said around 247 workers were underground at the time of the blast.
According to the latest government update, 82 miners have now been confirmed dead, while two workers remain missing. More than 120 injured miners are receiving treatment in hospitals.
Authorities explained that the earlier death toll confusion was caused by inaccurate worker records and difficulties during emergency rescue operations.
Hundreds of rescue personnel continue searching underground using robots, gas detectors and surveillance equipment as fears remain over dangerous gas levels inside the mine.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered a full investigation into the accident and called for stronger industrial safety measures across the country. Authorities have also detained several company executives and suspended operations at mines linked to the company.
Investigators are examining possible safety violations, with reports suggesting the mine had previously faced warnings over high gas risks and unsafe working conditions.
The Shanxi explosion is now considered China’s deadliest mining disaster since 2009, raising renewed concerns about mine safety standards despite years of government reforms in the industry.
