China: 10 dead, six missing after coal mine accident in Henan province

The incident, described as an "outburst" likely caused by a coal and gas explosion, occurred around 2:55pm (12:25pm IST) on Friday in Pingdingshan.

Updated on: Jan 13, 2024, 14:10:48 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

At least 10 people died and six others were missing after a coal mine accident on Friday in Henan Province of central China, state media reported.

The State news agency Xinhua revealed that 425 individuals were working underground when the explosion occurred. (File)

The incident, described as an "outburst" likely caused by a coal and gas explosion, occurred around 2:55pm (12:25pm IST) on Friday in Pingdingshan, as stated by state broadcaster CCTV.

Ongoing search and rescue operations are being conducted, according to CCTV. The State news agency Xinhua revealed that 425 individuals were working underground when the explosion occurred.

Authorities have taken those responsible for the mine into custody, as reported by Xinhua.

Although there have been improvements in mining safety and increased media coverage of such incidents in China over recent decades, accidents remain frequent in an industry with a history of poor safety standards and inconsistent regulatory enforcement.

Official figures for 2022 disclosed 245 fatalities in 168 mining accidents in China.

In the last month, a mining accident on the outskirts of Jixi city in northeastern Heilongjiang province resulted in 12 fatalities and 13 injuries.

Additionally, November saw 11 fatalities in a coal mine accident in the same province, while a coal mine fire in Guizhou province claimed at least 16 lives in September.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.