China's central government has launched a rigorous investigation into a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province that killed 82 people on Friday.
The explosion occurred on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county. As of late Saturday, 82 people were confirmed dead and two remained missing. All 128 injured workers are now in stable condition after treatment.
The State Council has formed an investigation team to determine the cause and assign responsibilities. It will impose strict penalties and review safety measures across mines. Officials have called for action against illegal operations, falsified data and unregistered workers.
Chen Xiangyang, deputy Communist Party secretary of Changzhi, said all four mines run by Shanxi Tongzhou Group were suspended immediately. Preliminary findings point to serious legal violations by the operator. Search and rescue efforts continue at the site.
