A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China has killed at least 82 people, according to state media reports.
“Rescue efforts are still underway. The number of casualties is still being tallied,” CCTV reported.
Authorities have not confirmed how many workers remain trapped inside the mine located in Shanxi province.
Earlier, state news agency Xinhua said carbon monoxide levels had “exceeded limits” inside the Liushenyu coal mine in Changzhi city.
Coal remains one of China’s major energy sources despite ongoing efforts by the government to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Shanxi province is one of the country’s biggest coal-producing regions and has long struggled with poor mining safety standards.
Over the years, the area has recorded thousands of similar industrial accidents.
The explosion happened around 7:30 p.m. local time on Friday when 247 miners were working underground.
Xinhua reported that at least 201 workers had been evacuated by 6:00 a.m. on Saturday.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, according to the agency.
Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier called for an “all-out rescue” operation for those still missing, Xinhua reported Saturday. The report added that he also “urged a thorough investigation into its cause, with accountability pursued in accordance with the law.”
