SHANXI, China – A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in northern China killed at least 82 people and left 9 others missing on Friday.
Okay News reports that China’s state news agency, Xinhua, confirmed the casualty figures on Saturday.
The blast occurred at 7:29 p.m. local time, which is 12:29 p.m. WAT, while 247 workers were underground. Rescue teams brought the majority of the workers to the surface by Saturday morning.
China’s President, Xi Jinping, directed medical teams to treat the injured and called for thorough investigations into the incident. Xi Jinping said he “emphasised that all regions and departments must draw lessons from this accident, remain constantly vigilant regarding workplace safety… and resolutely prevent and curb the occurrence of major and catastrophic accidents”.
Authorities detained an individual responsible for the mining company involved in the blast. Xinhua said the person has been “placed under control in accordance with the law”.
State broadcaster CCTV released footage showing helmeted rescuers carrying stretchers at the site, alongside ambulances.
