In response to a devastating coal mine gas explosion that occurred on Friday in north China's Shanxi Province, President Xi Jinping has issued urgent instructions to prioritize the rescue of missing workers and the treatment of the injured.
The incident took place underground at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Qinyuan County at 7:29 p.m. on Friday, resulting in heavy casualties. President Xi, who also serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized that rescue operations must be conducted in a scientific and organized manner to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Beyond the immediate rescue efforts, President Xi demanded a prompt and thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion, stressing that those found responsible must be held accountable. He urged authorities across the Chinese mainland to draw profound lessons from this tragedy, remaining vigilant regarding workplace safety and intensifying efforts to identify and eliminate potential risks to prevent future major accidents.
Addressing the broader environmental context, President Xi noted that as the region enters the flood season, it is critical to strengthen emergency preparedness. He called for solid flood control and disaster relief measures to safeguard the lives and property of residents.
Adding to the high-level response, Premier Li Qiang called for the timely and accurate release of information and a swift investigation based on laws and regulations. Premier Li further directed the Office of the Work Safety Commission under the State Council to supervise local authorities in strengthening workplace safety responsibilities and conducting rigorous inspections across key industrial sectors.
On the ground, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has led officials from relevant departments to the site to guide emergency response efforts. Authorities from Shanxi province and Changzhi City continue to coordinate on-site rescue operations and medical care, with follow-up work still actively underway.
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Xi urges all-out rescue efforts after north China coal mine accident
cgtn.com
