Gas Explosion at Shanxi Mine in China Causes Casualties; MAC Expresses Condolences

A gas explosion occurred at a coal mine in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, China, on the evening of the 22nd, resulting in severe casualties. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) expressed hope for the early rescue of those trapped and offered condolences to the victims, conveying sympathy to the relevant authorities in mainland China. No Taiwanese citizens were involved in the accident. The MAC stated in a press release on the 23rd that, according to preliminary information from the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), local authorities are making every effort to rescue and handle the accident, and there are no Taiwanese citizens in the mining area. The government will continue to monitor subsequent developments. The MAC expressed condolences to the relevant authorities in mainland China, hoping for the early rescue of those trapped and offering prayers for the deceased, wishing for a smooth recovery process. The gas explosion occurred around 7:00 PM on the 22nd at the Liushenyu Coal Mine of the Tongzhou Group in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. According to reports from Xinhua News Agency and CCTV, 247 people were working underground at the time. As of 2:00 PM on the 23rd, the cumulative death toll reached 90. Rescue operations are still underway, and casualty figures are still being tallied. Chinese President Xi Jinping issued important instructions this morning regarding the accident, demanding all-out efforts to treat the injured, scientific organization of search and rescue, proper handling of the aftermath, and a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident to hold those responsible accountable according to the law.