At least 11 people were killed in a coal mine explosion in the historic northern Chinese province of Shaanxi, according to Chinese media on Tuesday.
The blast occurred at 8:26 p.m. (12:26 GMT) at the Xintai coal mine near Yan’an, according to CCTV, citing the Municipal Emergency Management Bureau.
According to CCTV, nine workers who were “trapped underground have been found, and none of them have any vital symptoms”, and two people “died after rescue efforts failed.”
There were 90 people in the mine at the time of the explosion on Monday evening.
CCTV added that 11 people were “slightly injured” and taken to hospital for treatment, adding that “their vital signs are stable”.
“The cause of the accident is currently under investigation,” CCTV added.
According to JEE News, the explosion was confirmed by the Provincial Emergency Management Department on social media.
China, the world’s largest coal producer and consumer, suffered its deadliest accident since an open-pit mine collapse in Inner Mongolia in February.
Despite calls for improved safety, mining operations often cut corners, with local authorities turning a blind eye.
China has experienced a series of fatal industrial and construction accidents in recent months, often attributed to poor safety training, corruption and corporate profit-seeking. President Xi Jinping has emphasized improving security.
