A gas explosion struck the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi province, northern China, late on May 22, 2026, with 247 workers underground at the time [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The blast has killed at least 82 people, though some sources report the death toll could be at least 90 [7, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Two workers remain missing as rescue operations continue amid hazards including cave-ins, floods, and toxic gas [2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10].

The Liushenyu mine is owned by Shanxi Tongzhou Group, a private company whose executives have been detained following the accident [1, 11, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10]. Preliminary investigations indicate serious safety violations and illegal breaches at the site, including exceeding limits for toxic gases like carbon monoxide [3, 11, 6, 8, 10]. Some reports suggest the number of workers underground exceeded the official record of 124, violating safety regulations [6, 8, 10].

The explosion occurred at a mid-sized mine producing mostly coking coal used in steelmaking [12]. Survivors described hearing a deafening roar and seeing thick dust before the blast, initially mistaking it for routine blasting operations [6]. Rescue teams have deployed inspection robots equipped with gas sensors and infrared cameras to assist in the hazardous conditions [2].

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated, "No effort must be spared in the search and rescue operation," and demanded accountability, saying, "Those responsible for the accident should be held to account. All regions and departments must learn from the lessons of the accident, remain vigilant regarding workplace safety... and resolutely prevent and curb the occurrence of major and serious accidents." Premier Li Qiang called for "timely and accurate release of information and rigorous accountability" [2, 11, 4].

Medical and rescue forces include 755 local medical workers and 345 additional rescue personnel; these teams continue efforts despite the difficult conditions underground [6, 8, 10]. Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing is leading the investigation and disaster response [6, 10].

This accident is the deadliest coal mining disaster in China since 2009, when 108 people died in Heilongjiang province [7, 2, 6, 10]. Officials have suspended production at the mine pending investigation [4, 5, 6, 8].

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities search for the two missing workers and secure the site from further hazards.