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82 Reportedly Killed in Coal Mine Explosion in China's Shanxi Province

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At least 82 people were killed following a gas explosion in a coal mine in Qinyuan County in China's Shanxi province on Friday, according to multiple media reports.

The incident at the Liushenyu coal mine occurred Friday evening, when 247 people were working underground, according to media reports, citing a statement from the Qinyuan County Emergency Management Bureau.

About 128 people were injured and getting treatment, while two others remained missing following the explosion in China's worst mine disaster in 17 years, according to a Reuters report on Saturday, citing local authorities.

Initial media reports had pegged the number of casualties at at least 90, a figure which was later revised lower, the report said.

The coal mine is operated by the Shanxi Tongzhou Coal Coking Group. All four mines owned by the group have been closed, while its executives have been detained, local official said at a news conference on Saturday, according to the report.

On Saturday, President Xi Jinping ordered an investigation into the incident and directed the authorities to "spare no effort" in treatment for the victims and towards search and rescue efforts.

The Qinyuan County Emergency Management and the Shanxi Tongzhou Coal Coking Group could not be reached for a comment.

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