Raw footage from a gas explosion at a Chinese mine has landed on the desks of UK safety regulators, prompting an emergency inspection of imported coal. Sources confirm the blast, captured on grainy CCTV, shows a fireball tearing through an underground shaft. Multiple fatalities are feared, though Chinese authorities have yet to release an official toll.
The footage, leaked to international media, shows miners scrambling as the shockwave rips through the tunnel. UK regulators are now racing to trace the coal supply chain. They fear compromised Chinese operations are feeding British power plants.
Documents obtained by this newsroom show the UK imported 2.3 million tonnes of coal from China last year. A whistleblower inside the Health and Safety Executive says inspectors are focusing on three major consignments.
'We have to be sure these shipments aren't tainted by safety failures,' the source said. The explosion is a grim reminder of the cost of cheap energy. London has not suspended imports, but insiders say a ban is being considered.
The Chinese embassy declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation. For now, the footage serves as a stark warning. Every tonne of coal from that region carries a hidden price tag.
And the bill is coming due.
