Rescuers Search for Survivors After Shanxi Coal Mine Blast Kills 82

Rescue teams searched Sunday for survivors at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province after a gas explosion Friday evening killed at least 82 people. Hundreds of rescuers and medical personnel reached the site in Qinyuan county, Changzhi city. An Associated Press reporter saw police and security personnel at the entrance while emergency vehicles remained on site.

Local officials said late Saturday that two miners were still missing and dozens had been hospitalized. The death toll was revised downward from 90 after officials cited chaotic conditions and inaccurate information from the mine operator. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a thorough investigation and accountability of those responsible.

Local officials stated the mine had "seriously" violated the law, though they did not specify the violations. China's state broadcaster CCTV reported that blueprints supplied by the operator did not match the actual underground layout, slowing rescue work.

" Authorities announced a "comprehensive, blanket" inspection of coal mines across the province covering gas drainage, ventilation, safety monitoring systems, and underground layouts. 3 billion tons of coal annually, nearly one-third of China's total output.

Coal remains a primary energy source in the country.