At least 82 people are dead and more than 120 injured after an explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province, China's deadliest mining disaster in over 15 years. The tragedy has ignited anger online, as many accuse the operator, Tongzhou Group, of serious safety violations.
Authorities say the cause is under investigation but have confirmed that the privately-owned mine committed "serious illegal violations." State media reports reveal that some workers failed to carry mandatory tracking devices, official blueprints did not match actual mine conditions, and the number of workers underground at the time of the explosion was double the company's listed count.
Tongzhou Group, which has been ordered to halt operations at all four of its Shanxi mines, has not made a public statement. The company's leadership has been placed under "control measures." The mine had received two administrative penalties in 2025 and was previously flagged by regulators for severe hazards.
For many Chinese, this disaster recalls the early 2000s, when deadly mine accidents were frequent. Officials have pledged a rigorous investigation and severe punishment for those responsible.
Rescue efforts continue for at least two missing workers.