At least 82 killed after massive gas explosion rips through coal mine in China
A massive gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in China's Shanxi province on Friday killed at least 82 people and hospitalized over 120, with two still missing. The blast, the country's deadliest mining disaster in recent years, occurred at a mine previously flagged as disaster-prone due to high gas content. Investigations revealed "serious violations" by the mine's operator, Shanxi Tongzhou Coal & Coke Group, including inaccurate blueprints. The incident has prompted heightened safety inspections across China's coal sector, impacting coking coal supply and prices. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered a full rescue effort and a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable, and company officials connected to the disaster have been detained.