10 killed, 6 missing in coal mine explosion in Henan Province, China. 425 workers were underground. Mining safety has improved, but accidents still common. Authorities detain mine owners.
A coal mine accident in China’s Henan Province has resulted in at least 10 deaths and six missing individuals, according to state media. The disaster, suspected to be a coal and gas explosion, occurred in Pingdingshan around 2:55 p.m. Friday. Approximately 425 people were underground at the time of the blast, and authorities have taken the mine leaders into custody. While China has made progress in mining safety, accidents remain frequent due to poor regulations and enforcement. In 2022 alone, 168 accidents resulted in 245 deaths, with China experiencing several deadly mining incidents in recent months.
The incident was described as a “outburst” and occurred at the mine in Pingdingshan at approximately 2:55 p.m. on Friday. According to the state news agency Xinhua, authorities have taken those in charge of the mine into custody. China has made strides in enhancing mining safety, however, the industry still suffers from numerous accidents due to the poor enforcement of regulations.
This recent tragedy is just one of many that have occurred in recent years. In 2022, there were 168 mining accidents that resulted in the death of 245 individuals. In the past months, there have been several other fatal accidents, including an incident in Jixi City where 12 people were killed and 13 were injured, as well as an accident resulting in 11 deaths in Heilongjiang Province.
Source : 10 Dead, 6 Missing in China Mining Accident: State Media
