247 people were underground at the time of the explosion. Toxic gases exceed limits, the search continues. Production has been suspended

As reported by CCTV+, a gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi Province killed 81 people, with two more missing, officials said at a press conference on Saturday. Another 128 people are being treated in hospitals, including two in critical and two in serious condition.

On Friday at 7:29 p.m., a gas explosion occurred at the Liushenyu coal mine, owned by the Tongzhou Group, in Qinyuan County. At that time, 247 people were working underground. At the time of the press conference, 82 deaths had been confirmed, with two still missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Another 128 people were injured and hospitalized, while 35 were unharmed and returned home, said Chen Xiangyang, Mayor of Changzhi City, which administers Qinyuan County.

Officials explained the initial inaccurate data as due to the chaos at the scene and the company’s failure to provide accurate numbers of working employees. Toxic and harmful gases under the mine shaft have long exceeded permissible limits, creating a risk of secondary disasters.

Chen stated that the company involved in the explosion committed “serious violations of laws and regulations.” Those responsible have been taken under control. Mining at the company’s coal mines has been suspended for preventive inspections and safety checks. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

247 people underground. 82 dead. Two missing. 128 injured. Numbers that stop the heart. The Liushenyu mine did not explode on its own. The company broke the rules. Toxic gases exceeded limits. And people worked. Now they are being brought to the surface. Living and dead. Rescuers are still searching for two more.

Doctors are fighting for the lives of 128. Two are in critical condition. Two are serious. The question is not how many more mines will be closed after this tragedy. The question is how many managers will be held accountable. So far, they are “under control.” But that is cold comfort for the families of the 82 dead.

And for those waiting for news of the missing. The tragedy in Shanxi is not the first and, I fear, not the last, as long as safety remains a line item to be cut. Not a law to be obeyed.