Overview
- A blast at the privately owned Liushenyu mine in Qinyuan, Shanxi, that struck Friday night has left at least 82 people dead with several workers still unaccounted for as rescue teams continue searching underground.
- About 247 workers were reported inside the mine when the explosion occurred, prompting a large emergency operation that initially rescued hundreds and then found rising numbers of fatalities during continued searches.
- State leaders ordered a full inquiry, vice premier Zhang Guoqing traveled to the site, and official reports say a person linked to the mine owner has been detained while investigators probe the cause.
- Preliminary investigations point to a possible gas buildup inside the mine but authorities have not confirmed a cause, and state media say the probe will be rigorous with legal penalties for accountable parties.
- Markets reacted fast with metallurgical coal futures on the Dalian exchange jumping to daily limits and Shanxi coal stocks rising, as investors weigh the risk that broad safety inspections could curb coal output ahead of summer power demand.