China coal mine explosion leaves eight dead and dozens trapped

At least eight people have died and 38 others remain trapped after a gas explosion at a coal mine in northeast China’s Shanxi province.

According to a report by China’s state news agency Xinhua, the blast happened on Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Changzhi City while 247 workers were underground.

The agency said carbon monoxide levels at the mine had “exceeded limits” before the explosion.

Emergency rescue operations continued into Saturday as crews searched for the trapped miners.

State media reported that at least 201 workers had been evacuated safely by 6:00 AM local time.

The explosion took place at around 7:30 PM local time on Friday and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.

Shanxi is one of China’s largest coal-producing regions and has long faced criticism over mining safety standards.

Officials have not yet released details about the condition of those still trapped underground.