economy
China mine death toll at least 82 after gas blast
Xi Jinping urges authorities to ‘spare no effort’ in rescue operation after explosion in northern Shanxi province
TL;DR
- At least 82 people died in a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coalmine in Shanxi province, China.
- The incident is the country's worst mining disaster in 17 years.
- Preliminary investigations suggest the mining company committed "serious illegal violations".
- The mine had previously been cited for "severe safety hazards", including high gas levels.
- President Xi Jinping has ordered a comprehensive investigation and urged authorities to spare no effort in rescue and treatment.
- At least 123 people were hospitalized, with some in critical condition.