China coal mine explosion leaves 82 people dead

At least 82 people have been killed and two are missing after a coal mine blast in northern China, officials have said. Rescue officials revised down the death toll in an update late on Saturday, having earlier said at least 90 people had died. The gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi province is the worst mining disaster in China since 2009. There were 247 workers reportedly on duty when the blast happened at 19:29 local time (11:29 GMT) on Friday, with more than 100 people said to be saved and hundreds of rescuers sent to the site. Chinese President Xi Jinping said no effort must be spared in efforts to treat the injured and search for survivors. The country's state council later said a "rigorous" investigation would be conducted and those found responsible would be "severely punished". Officials apologised for the confusion over the death toll, saying the situation was chaotic at the beginning which led to an unclear headcount and an incorrect figure. They said that 128 people were being treated in hospitals, including two in critical condition. Most were affected after inhaling poisonous gas, according to state media, though it is not clear what type of gas it was