'India’s support deeply valued': China thanks PM Modi for condolences to killed in Shanxi mining blast

China has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his message of condolence following a devastating mining accident in Shanxi Province that has left at least 82 people dead and two others unaccounted for.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong acknowledged India’s gesture on Sunday, stating that the sympathy extended by the Indian leadership and people was sincerely appreciated during what he described as an extremely difficult time for the nation.

The accident occurred on Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, where a powerful gas explosion tore through the underground facility. Rescue and emergency response operations have continued since the blast, as authorities work to locate the missing and stabilize those injured.

In a message posted on X, Ambassador Xu conveyed his thanks to Prime Minister Modi for his outreach. He emphasized that the condolences and solidarity shown by India carried significant meaning for China amid the unfolding crisis. Xu also noted that efforts were ongoing to support victims and their families, with rescue teams working tirelessly at the site.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier shared his condolences with Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives. On behalf of the Indian people, he extended sympathy to the families of the deceased and voiced hope for the safe recovery of those still missing.

Chinese authorities confirmed that the explosion took place at 7:29 p.m. local time on Friday. By Saturday, officials reported that 82 individuals had lost their lives, while two remained unaccounted for. In addition, 128 people were hospitalized for treatment. Among the injured, two were listed in critical condition and another two were reported to be seriously hurt.

Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that dangerous concentrations of toxic gases had accumulated beneath the mine shaft for an extended period, exceeding permissible safety levels. This revelation has raised alarms about potential follow-up hazards and the adequacy of safety compliance measures.

Officials further disclosed that the company operating the Liushenyu mine had committed what were described as serious legal and regulatory violations. In response, authorities have taken control of those responsible for managing the company and suspended operations at its coal facilities pending a comprehensive safety review.

Chen Xiangyang, the mayor of Changzhi City, which oversees Qinyuan County, stated that all mining activities linked to the company would remain halted while a full-scale safety overhaul is conducted. The announcement was carried by the state-run Xinhua news agency.

President Xi Jinping has directed emergency teams to deploy maximum resources in search and rescue efforts and to prioritize medical care for the injured. He also called for a detailed investigation into the causes of the explosion, instructing officials to ensure accountability under the law.

The investigation team is expected to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the blast. Its mandate includes assessing the roles and responsibilities of local authorities, industry regulators, and the mining company itself. Authorities have indicated that strict legal consequences will follow for any violations uncovered.

As China mourns the lives lost in one of its most severe recent mining disasters, messages of solidarity from abroad underscore the shared human impact of such tragedies, even across borders.