ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday expressed condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the families of victims after a coal mine gas explosion in China’s northern Shanxi province killed at least 90 people, the Pakistani presidency said.
The gas explosion took place at the Liushenyu coal mine late Friday while 247 workers were underground, Chinese state media Xinhua said. Rescue efforts were underway as authorities in Qinyuan investigated the cause.
Zardari said the Pakistani people stood in solidarity with the Chinese people during this difficult time. He expressed sympathy with those injured in the accident and prayed for their early recovery.
“The President conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, the bereaved families and the people of China over the tragic accident,” the Presidency said in a statement.
“The President expressed hope that the ongoing rescue efforts would succeed in bringing the remaining trapped workers to safety.”
Shanxi is considered China’s coal-mining heartland. This is the country’s deadliest mining accident since at least 2009, according to Xinhua.
According to Chinese state media, President Xi Jinping urged authorities to spare no effort in rescue and treatment operations, directing a thorough investigation into the accident and strict accountability under the law.
China has significantly reduced coal mine fatalities often caused by gas explosions or flooding since the early 2000s through more stringent regulations and safer practices.
