Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, May 23, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Death toll reaches at least 82 in China coal mine blast
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
A general view of rescue team members and emergency vehicles arriving at the Liushenyu coal mine after a gas explosion in Changzhi, in northern China's Shanxi province, on May 23, 2026. (CNS / AFP)
The death toll from a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China’s Shanxi province has jumped to at least 82, state media Xinhua reports, with nine still missing.
The gas explosion occurred late yesterday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, with 247 workers on duty underground, Xinhua reported earlier in the day.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for authorities to “spare no effort” in treating the injured and conducting search and rescue operations, while ordering a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and strict accountability in accordance with the law, according to Xinhua.
Premier Li Qiang echoed the instructions, calling for timely and accurate release of information and rigorous accountability.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here