China Coal Mine Gas Explosion: Death Toll Climbs to 90; President Xi Jinping Orders Urgent Rescue
The death toll from a catastrophic gas explosion at a coal mine in Northern China has risen drastically to 90, international news agency Reuters reported. The tragic incident occurred late last night, trapping numerous workers deep underground.
247 Miners Were Underground During the Blast
According to official reports, a total of 247 miners were working underground when the sudden gas accumulation triggered the powerful blast. The explosion caused sections of the mine to collapse. Emergency services and rescue squads have been working continuously through the night to reach the remaining survivors.
President Xi Demands Accountability and Swift Action
Taking strict notice of the industrial disaster, Chinese President Xi Jinping directed regional authorities to accelerate the rescue operation to mitigate further loss of life.
"All efforts must be mobilized to expedite the rescue operation. Concurrently, a thorough investigation must be launched immediately to determine accountability and penalize those responsible for this negligence." — Chinese President Xi Jinping