In the wake of a devastating coal mine gas explosion that struck north China's Shanxi Province on Friday, President Xi Jinping has issued urgent instructions to prioritize the rescue of missing workers and the immediate treatment of the injured.
The incident occurred at 7:29 p.m. on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, resulting in heavy casualties. In response, President Xi, who also serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, demanded that rescue operations be organized in a scientific manner and that the aftermath of the accident be handled with precision and care.
Emphasizing the need for transparency and justice, President Xi called for a prompt investigation into the cause of the explosion, stressing that those found responsible must be held strictly accountable. He further noted that authorities across the Chinese mainland must draw profound lessons from this tragedy to remain vigilant regarding workplace safety and intensify efforts to eliminate potential risks.
Beyond the immediate crisis, President Xi highlighted the arrival of the flood season, urging a strengthening of emergency preparedness and the implementation of solid flood control and disaster relief measures to safeguard lives and property across the region.
Complementing these directives, the Chinese premier, Li Qiang, called for the timely and accurate release of information and a swift investigation in accordance with laws and regulations. Premier Li also instructed the Office of the Work Safety Commission under the State Council to supervise local authorities and conduct thorough safety inspections in key industries to prevent similar occurrences.
On the ground, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has led officials from relevant departments to the site to guide the emergency response. Currently, officials from Shanxi provincial authorities and Changzhi City are coordinating on-site rescue operations and medical care, with follow-up work remaining underway.
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President Xi makes instruction on coal mine accident in north China
cgtn.com
