China thanks PM Modi for condolences on deadly Shanxi mine accident

China thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his condolences over the deadly mining accident in China’s Shanxi Province that has claimed at least 82 lives and left two people missing.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Sunday said that India’s sympathy and support were “deeply valued” in response to PM Modi's post on X.

The remarks came as rescue and relief operations continued following the gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County on Friday evening.

In a post on X, Feihong thanked PM Modi for his message and acknowledged India’s support during the crisis. “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. Our thoughts are with the victims, the missing, and their families. We are making every effort in the rescue and relief operations,” he wrote.

Prime Minister Modi had conveyed his condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday following the accident.

In a post on X, he said, “Saddened by the loss of lives in a mining accident in Shanxi Province in 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.”

According to Chinese officials, the gas explosion occurred at 7.29pm (local time) on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County.

Authorities confirmed on Saturday that 82 people had died, while two others remained missing.

A total of 128 people are undergoing treatment in hospitals, including two in critical condition and two in serious condition.

Officials investigating the incident said toxic and harmful gases under the mine shaft had exceeded safe limits for a prolonged period, raising concerns over the possibility of secondary disasters.

Authorities also said the company operating the mine was found to have committed “serious violations of laws”.

Those responsible for the company have been placed under control, while production at its coal mines has been halted pending a comprehensive safety overhaul, according to Chen Xiangyang, mayor of Changzhi City, which administers Qinyuan, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out efforts to rescue the missing and ensure treatment of the injured.

He also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and directed authorities to pursue accountability in accordance with the law.

The investigation team said it would determine the exact cause of the accident, examine the responsibilities of local authorities, industry regulators and the company involved, and impose strict penalties under relevant laws and regulations.