A devastating coal mine explosion in northern China has claimed the lives of at least 82 people, state media reports have confirmed. The incident occurred on Friday evening at 19:29 local time at a mine in Shanxi province, one of China's major coal-producing regions.
The exact cause of the explosion is not yet known, but it is believed to have taken place during maintenance work at the mine. Rescuers are still working to recover the bodies of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
The Chinese government has issued a statement expressing its condolences to the families of the victims and promising a thorough investigation into the incident. The mine's management has also been criticised for its handling of safety procedures.
The explosion has raised concerns about the safety of China's coal mining industry, which has a history of accidents and fatalities. According to the Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management, there were 573 coal mining accidents in 2022, resulting in 1,027 deaths.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a statement advising British nationals in China to follow local instructions and to exercise caution when travelling to affected areas. The organisation has also offered its condolences to the families of the victims.
The incident is likely to have significant implications for the global coal market, with China being one of the world's largest consumers of the commodity.