Coal mine explosion leaves eight dead; 38 workers trapped underground

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – At least eight people have been killed and 38 are reported to be trapped underground following an explosion at a coal mine in China. In addition, 247 workers were underground at the time. According to CNN International, the incident occurred due to a gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine located in Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, southeastern China, on Friday (22 May 2026) at 19:30 local time (07:30 ET). It was reported that 247 workers were underground at the time. Rescue efforts are ongoing. CNN cited the Xinhua News Agency that carbon monoxide levels in the mine were reported to have ‘exceeded the limit’. However the cause of the accident is still under investigation. As of 06:00 Saturday (23 May 2026), around 201 people had been evacuated from the mine.