Four dead, 90 trapped in China coal mine accident

Key points

• At least eight people have died and dozens are trapped underground after a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China, state media reported on Saturday (May 23, 2026).
• A total of 247 workers were underground at the time, of whom 201 had been brought to the surface safely as of 6:00 a.m. on Saturday (May 23), Xinhua said.
• Eight people have been confirmed dead, while 38 remain trapped underground, the agency reported, citing local emergency management authorities.
• President Xi Jinping urged “all-out efforts” to treat the injured and called for thorough investigations into the incident, Xinhua said.
• He “emphasised that all regions and departments must draw lessons from this accident, remain constantly vigilant regarding workplace safety...