STORY: A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China's Shanxi province has killed 82 people, with nine still missing, state media reported on Saturday (May 23).

Twenty-three workers have been rescued so far. State broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) on Saturday aired footage showing ambulances and emergency crews massed at the mine entrance with security cordons in place.

The blast struck Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county late on Friday (May 22). Of the 247 workers underground at the time, 201 had been brought to the surface by early Saturday. The cause of the accident was under investigation, according to local emergency management authority.

China has significantly reduced coal mine fatalities - often caused by gas explosions or flooding - since the early 2000s through more stringent regulations and safer practices. But the Liushenyu blast ranks among one of the deadliest reported in China in a decade.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: QINYUAN COUNTY, SHANXI PROVINCE, CHINA (AIRED ON MAY 23, 2026) (CCTV - No use China)

1. CORDONED-OFF AREA WITH ENTRANCE OF COAL MINE WHERE GAS EXPLOSION OCCURRED / AMBULANCE CAR ON SITE

2. VARIOUS OF DRONE SHOTS OF MINE ENTRANCE AREA WITH AMBULANCE AND RESCUE CARS AND CREWS ON SITE

3. VARIOUS OF RESCUE WORKERS ASSEMBLING AT ENTRANCE AREA

4. RESCUE WORKERS AND SECURITY PERSONNEL ON SITE

5. VARIOUS OF RESCUED MINE WORKERS IN HOSPITAL

6. RESCUE CARS ON SITE WITH SECURITY PERSONNEL AND RESCUE WORKERS