Coal Mine Gas Explosion in Shanxi, China, Leaves Over 90 Dead

According to the Central News Agency, a serious gas explosion occurred at a coal mine owned by the Tongzhou Group in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, China, on the 22nd. Comprehensive reports from Chinese media indicate that the death toll has risen to 90. State-run Xinhua News Agency reported that the accident occurred at 7:29 PM on the 22nd at the Liushenyu Coal Mine. Following the incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued instructions to spare no effort in search and rescue operations and to hold those responsible strictly accountable. Premier Li Qiang also demanded a thorough investigation into the cause and strict accountability in accordance with the law. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing rushed to the scene to direct rescue efforts. Additionally, the Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched 345 personnel from six national mine emergency rescue teams to the site. The person in charge of the company has been taken into custody.