Beijing, May 23 (QNA) - At least eight people were killed and 38 others remained trapped after a gas explosion struck a coal mine in northern China's Shanxi Province, Chinese state media reported on Saturday.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the explosion occurred at 7:29 p.m. local time on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, where 247 workers were underground at the time of the accident.
Rescue teams managed to bring 201 miners safely to the surface by Saturday morning, including eight confirmed fatalities, while emergency operations continued in search of those still trapped underground.
Local emergency management authorities said the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Following the incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all-out efforts to rescue the missing, provide medical treatment to the injured, and properly handle the aftermath of the disaster.
Xi also urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and ensure accountability for those found responsible in accordance with the law.
He further stressed the need for stronger workplace safety measures nationwide, calling on local authorities and industries to intensify inspections and eliminate potential safety hazards to help prevent major accidents in the future. (QNA)