Shanxi mine blast: China says India's support 'deeply valued' after Modi condolence
Synopsis
Eighty-two people are dead after a gas explosion tore through the Liushenyu coal mine in China’s Shanxi Province. PM Modi’s prompt condolence to President Xi Jinping drew a personal acknowledgement from China’s Ambassador to India — a diplomatic signal worth noting given the fragile but improving state of India-China ties.
Key Takeaways
A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province on 23 May killed 82 people , with two still missing.
128 people are hospitalised, including two in critical and two in serious condition.
PM Narendra Modi conveyed condolences to President Xi Jinping via X, expressing solidarity with the Chinese people.
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong said India’s sympathy and support are ‘deeply valued’ in a post on X.
The mine operator was found guilty of serious legal violations ; company officials have been placed under control and all its mines halted.
President Xi Jinping has ordered a thorough investigation with strict accountability under law.
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Sunday, 25 May expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's condolence message following the deadly coal mine gas explosion in Shanxi Province, saying the sympathy from the people of India is “deeply valued” at this difficult time.
The Accident: What Happened
A gas explosion struck the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County at 7:29 pm on Friday, 23 May, triggering one of China’s deadliest recent mining disasters. According to officials, 82 people were confirmed dead by Saturday, while two others remained missing. A total of 128 people are receiving hospital treatment, including two in critical condition and two in serious condition.
Officials warned that toxic and harmful gases beneath the mine shaft had exceeded safe limits for an extended period, raising the risk of secondary disasters and complicating rescue operations.
India's Response and China's Acknowledgement
Prime Minister Modi on Saturday conveyed his condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping in a post on X. “Saddened by the loss of lives in a mining accident in Shanxi Province, China. On behalf of the people of India, my condolences to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. May the bereaved families find strength in this tragic hour. Praying for the early and safe recovery of all remaining missing persons,” Modi wrote.
Responding via X, Ambassador Xu Feihong said: “We appreciate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s kind message of condolence following the mining accident in Shanxi Province. The sympathy and support from the people of India are deeply valued at this difficult time.” He added that rescue and relief operations were being pursued with every available effort.
Accountability and Investigation
The company operating the Liushenyu coal mine was found to have committed “serious violations of laws,” according to Chen Xiangyang, mayor of Changzhi City, which administers Qinyuan. Those responsible for the company have been placed under control, and all coal mines under its management have ceased production pending a safety overhaul.
President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out rescue effort for the missing, full treatment for the injured, and a thorough investigation into the cause of the blast, with accountability to be pursued strictly under law. The investigation team has said it will clarify the responsibilities of local authorities, industry regulators, and the enterprise involved, and impose strict penalties in accordance with regulations.
Broader Context
China’s coal mining sector has a long record of fatal accidents, though fatality rates have declined significantly over the past two decades following tighter safety regulations. This explosion, with 82 confirmed deaths, ranks among the more severe incidents in recent years. Notably, the exchange of condolences between New Delhi and Beijing comes at a time when India-China diplomatic ties have been gradually warming after years of tension following the 2020 Galwan Valley standoff.
Rescue operations were ongoing as of Sunday, with authorities working against the risk of further gas build-up underground.
Point of View
However, is accountability: China’s own investigation has already flagged ‘serious legal violations’ by the mine operator, raising questions about whether regulatory oversight failed and whether the death toll could have been prevented.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Shanxi coal mine explosion?
A gas explosion struck the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province, at 7:29 pm on 23 May. Officials noted that toxic gases beneath the mine shaft had exceeded safe limits for a prolonged period, and the operating company was found to have committed serious violations of safety laws.
How many people died in the Shanxi mine blast?
As of Saturday, 82 people were confirmed dead and two remained missing. A further 128 people were receiving hospital treatment, with two in critical condition and two in serious condition.
What did PM Modi say in his condolence message?
PM Modi wrote on X: ‘Saddened by the loss of lives in a mining accident in Shanxi Province, China. On behalf of the people of India, my condolences to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. May the bereaved families find strength in this tragic hour. Praying for the early and safe recovery of all remaining missing persons.’
How did China respond to India's condolence?
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong responded via X, saying China appreciates PM Modi’s message and that the sympathy and support from the people of India are ‘deeply valued at this difficult time.’
What action is China taking against those responsible?
The mine operator was found guilty of serious legal violations. Company officials have been placed under control and all mines under the company have halted production for a safety overhaul. President Xi Jinping has ordered a full investigation with accountability pursued strictly under law.
