Gas Explosion at Coal Mine in Qinyuan, Shanxi Causes Casualties; Xi Jinping Orders All-Out Rescue Efforts
A gas explosion occurred at a coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province, on the night of May 22. Out of 247 workers, 8 have been confirmed dead, and 38 remain trapped. President Xi Jinping has ordered an all-out rescue effort and a thorough investigation into the cause.
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- 📰 Published: May 23, 2026 at 11:47
- 🔍 Collected: May 23, 2026 at 12:01 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 31, 2026 at 21:01 (200h 59m after Collected)
Central News Agency, Shanghai, May 23: A gas explosion occurred at a coal mine in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, China, on the night of the 22nd, resulting in 8 deaths and 38 people missing. Chinese President Xi Jinping issued instructions, demanding all-out rescue efforts and strict accountability.
At 7:29 PM on the 22nd, a gas explosion occurred underground at the Shanxi Tongzhou Group Liushenyu Coal Industry Co., Ltd. in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, Shanxi, causing significant casualties. According to reports, 247 workers were working underground at the time of the incident. As of 6:00 AM today, 201 people have escaped, 8 deaths have been confirmed, and the remaining 38 are still trapped underground.
According to Xinhua News Agency, after the accident, Xi Jinping attached great importance to the situation and issued instructions to spare no effort in treating the injured, scientifically organize rescue operations, and properly handle the aftermath. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and strict accountability in accordance with the law.
Xi Jinping emphasized that all regions and departments must learn from the accident, maintain a high level of vigilance regarding safety production, conduct in-depth investigations and rectifications of various risks and hidden dangers, and resolutely prevent the occurrence of major accidents.
He also stated that as it is currently the flood season, emergency duty must be strengthened, flood control and disaster relief work must be carried out solidly, and the safety of people's lives and property must be effectively protected.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang also issued instructions, calling for all-out efforts to rescue the trapped personnel, treat the injured, handle the aftermath, release information in a timely and accurate manner, and identify the cause of the accident as soon as possible to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with laws and regulations. The State Council's Work Safety Committee Office is to further urge and guide all regions and relevant parties to strengthen the implementation of safety production responsibilities, effectively carry out the investigation and rectification of safety hazards in key industries and fields, and resolutely prevent the occurrence of major accidents.
In accordance with the instructions of Xi Jinping and the requirements of Li Qiang, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing led officials from relevant departments to the scene to guide the rescue and disposal work. Currently, the treatment of the injured and on-site rescue operations are underway.
At 7:29 PM on the 22nd, a gas explosion occurred underground at the Shanxi Tongzhou Group Liushenyu Coal Industry Co., Ltd. in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, Shanxi, causing significant casualties. According to reports, 247 workers were working underground at the time of the incident. As of 6:00 AM today, 201 people have escaped, 8 deaths have been confirmed, and the remaining 38 are still trapped underground.
According to Xinhua News Agency, after the accident, Xi Jinping attached great importance to the situation and issued instructions to spare no effort in treating the injured, scientifically organize rescue operations, and properly handle the aftermath. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and strict accountability in accordance with the law.
Xi Jinping emphasized that all regions and departments must learn from the accident, maintain a high level of vigilance regarding safety production, conduct in-depth investigations and rectifications of various risks and hidden dangers, and resolutely prevent the occurrence of major accidents.
He also stated that as it is currently the flood season, emergency duty must be strengthened, flood control and disaster relief work must be carried out solidly, and the safety of people's lives and property must be effectively protected.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang also issued instructions, calling for all-out efforts to rescue the trapped personnel, treat the injured, handle the aftermath, release information in a timely and accurate manner, and identify the cause of the accident as soon as possible to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with laws and regulations. The State Council's Work Safety Committee Office is to further urge and guide all regions and relevant parties to strengthen the implementation of safety production responsibilities, effectively carry out the investigation and rectification of safety hazards in key industries and fields, and resolutely prevent the occurrence of major accidents.
In accordance with the instructions of Xi Jinping and the requirements of Li Qiang, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing led officials from relevant departments to the scene to guide the rescue and disposal work. Currently, the treatment of the injured and on-site rescue operations are underway.
FAQ
Will this accident affect Taiwan's energy prices?
The direct impact is limited, but disruptions in Chinese coal production can influence global coal price volatility.