Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the largest possible rescue efforts following an accident at a coal mine in northern China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued important instructions following a gas explosion in a coal mine in the northern province of Shanxi on May 22nd, urging that every effort be made to rescue those missing and to treat the injured. Xi Jinping, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, demanded that rescue operations be organized scientifically and that the consequences of the accident be properly addressed.

He also called for a swift investigation into the accident and emphasized that those responsible must be held accountable. The gas explosion occurred underground at the Liushenyu mine in Qinyuan County on May 22nd at 7:29 PM and resulted in significant casualties. Authorities across the country must learn a profound lesson from this accident, remain vigilant regarding workplace safety, and intensify efforts to identify and eliminate potential risks to prevent serious accidents, Xi Jinping added.

Noting that China is entering the flood season, Xi Jinping also called for strengthened preparedness for emergencies and for more robust measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of floods, in order to protect people's lives and property. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, called for the timely and accurate release of information, a swift investigation into the cause of the accident, and strict accountability in accordance with laws and regulations.

Li Qiang also urged the office of the State Council's Work Safety Commission to further oversee and guide local authorities and relevant departments in strengthening responsibility for workplace safety and conducting thorough safety inspections in key industries and sectors to prevent serious accidents. Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing led officials from relevant departments to the site to oversee rescue and emergency response efforts. Officials from the Shanxi provincial government and the city of Changzhi are coordinating rescue operations on the ground and providing medical care to the injured. Rescue and follow-up work is ongoing.

CMG