New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conveyed condolences over the loss of lives in a devastating coal mine explosion in China’s Shanxi Province that has left at least 90 people dead.
In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister expressed sympathy with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China while also praying for the safe recovery of those still missing after the accident.
PM Modi said he was saddened by the tragic mining accident in Shanxi Province and extended condolences on behalf of the people of India. He also prayed that the bereaved families find strength during the difficult time and hoped for the early rescue of those unaccounted for.
The message came after a massive gas explosion struck the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Qinyuan County in Shanxi Province, triggering a large-scale rescue operation. According to reports, 247 workers were underground when the blast occurred, and authorities are still trying to determine whether more miners remain trapped.
Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that the explosion took place shortly after the mine’s systems detected elevated carbon monoxide levels. The mine is located around 520 kilometres southwest of Beijing.
Following the disaster, Chinese authorities reportedly detained executives of the company operating the mine as investigations into the incident began.
The accident has emerged as China’s deadliest coal mining disaster in more than a decade, drawing widespread international attention despite improvements in workplace safety measures in recent years.
Chinese President Xi Jinping directed rescue teams to make every possible effort to locate survivors and ensure that the aftermath of the tragedy is handled properly. He also stressed that those responsible for the accident must be held accountable.
Xi further urged authorities across the country to learn lessons from the incident, strengthen workplace safety oversight and identify potential risks to prevent similar major accidents in the future.
Amid concerns about heavy rainfall and possible flooding in the region, the Chinese President also called for preventive measures during the ongoing rainy season. The warning follows severe weather conditions in other parts of China, including Hunan province, where recent heavy rains caused deaths, injuries and widespread disruption.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang also directed officials to intensify rescue efforts and ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the explosion.
Reports indicated that the confirmed death toll rose sharply overnight, increasing from eight to more than 80 as rescue teams continued operations at the site. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV later confirmed that over 82 people had died in the blast, while rescue operations remained underway.
The explosion occurred around 7:30 pm local time on Friday in Shanxi, China’s leading coal-producing province. The region plays a crucial role in the country’s energy sector and accounts for nearly one-third of China’s total coal production.
Shanxi has witnessed multiple mining-related accidents in recent months, including a fatal incident in Luliang last month that killed four miners and another structural collapse in Zhongyang in March 2024 that left seven people dead.
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Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the exact cause of the latest disaster.
