Death toll jumps to 90 in China coal mine blast

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on authorities to “spare no effort” in treating the injured and conducting search and rescue operations, while ordering a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.

Premier Li Qiang echoed the instructions, calling for timely and accurate release of information and rigorous accountability.

The mine is operated by Shanxi Tongzhou Group Liushenyu Coal Industry, which was established in 2010 and is controlled by Shanxi Tongzhou Coal Coking Group, according to corporate database Qichacha.

Rescue operations were ongoing and the cause of the accident was under investigation, according to the local emergency management authority in Qinyuan. Shanxi is China’s coal-mining heartland.

Executives of the company responsible for the mine have been detained, Xinhua reported.