A coal mine explosion in northern China has left at least 82 miners dead, making it the country’s worst mining disaster in over a decade. The blast occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Huaneng Linyi mine in the province’s Laoling district. Rescuers have recovered 82 bodies, with 18 miners still missing.
The cause is under investigation, though initial reports suggest a methane gas leak may have ignited. The UK government has called on Beijing to conduct a transparent inquiry, with the Foreign Office stating that “full accountability and adherence to international safety standards are essential”. The disaster has reignited concerns over China’s mining safety record, despite years of regulatory tightening.
President Xi Jinping has ordered a nationwide safety review, but families of the victims continue to demand answers as they await the recovery of loved ones.
