82 Dead in Shanxi Coal Mine Explosion; China's Supreme People's Procuratorate to Oversee Investigation

A gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province, China, on the 22nd has resulted in at least 82 deaths. On the 25th, the Supreme People's Procuratorate of China decided to place the entire case under direct supervision, demanding a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and strict punishment for the primary responsible parties. President Xi Jinping issued instructions on the night of the accident, ordering all-out rescue efforts, a thorough investigation, and accountability. The accident, which has left 82 dead, 2 missing, and 128 injured, is the deadliest mining disaster in China in 17 years. Authorities stated they will maintain a high-pressure stance against crimes that endanger production safety.