At least 90 people have died following a massive gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China, according to Chinese state media.

The blast occurred at the Liushenyu Coal Mine, operated by the Tongzhou Group, in Shanxi Province on Friday evening at approximately 19:29 local time (11:29 GMT).

Reports said 247 workers were on duty when the explosion happened. More than 100 injured miners have reportedly been taken to hospital, while rescue operations continue at the site.

State media footage showed emergency crews transporting victims on stretchers as ambulances and rescue personnel worked around the damaged mine complex. Hundreds of rescuers have been deployed in an effort to locate survivors and recover victims trapped underground.

Following the disaster, Xi Jinping ordered authorities to spare no effort in treating the injured and continuing search operations. He also called for a full investigation into the cause of the explosion and demanded accountability for those responsible.

According to state media reports, officials managing the coal mine have already been detained as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, preliminary reports indicated that carbon monoxide levels inside the mine had exceeded safety limits. Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic and odorless gas that can rapidly become deadly in enclosed underground environments.

China’s mining industry has historically faced criticism over workplace safety standards, despite government efforts in recent years to reduce accidents and improve regulations.

The latest tragedy is expected to renew scrutiny over industrial safety practices in the country’s coal sector.