China’s anger over the coal mine disaster grew after an explosion killed at least 82 people and injured more than 120 at the Liushenyu mine in Shanxi province.
Authorities said the cause remained under investigation, but initial findings showed “serious illegal violations” by Tongzhou Group, the mine’s private operator. Rescue teams continued searching for at least two missing workers.
👇🏻 the moment of the gas explosion that killed 82 with 2 missing and 128 injured (according to state media) at the Liushenyu (留神峪) coal mine in Qinyuan County (沁源县), Changzhi, Shanxi province, on May 22.
The mine is operated by Shanxi Tongshou Group (山西通洲集团). pic.twitter.com/wU4t4C6lOb
— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) May 25, 2026State media said the number of workers underground was double the company’s official count. Reports also said mine blueprints did not match the site, and some workers lacked mandatory tracking devices.
Read: China Coal Mine Blast Kills 8, Traps 38 In Shanxi
The National Mine Safety Administration had flagged the Liushenyu mine for “severe hazards” in 2024. Tongzhou Group also received two safety penalties in 2025.
Authorities placed company officials under control measures and halted work at Tongzhou Group’s four Shanxi mines.
