Coal mine gas explosion in central China triggers rescue operation

A gas explosion at a coal mine in Lianyuan, Hunan, resulted in a major emergency response on Friday. The blast, recorded at 5:08 a.m., involved 52 miners underground. While 44 were able to exit the mine, seven are still missing and one is under emergency medical treatment. Rescue crews, along with health workers, have been deployed to the site. Preliminary findings indicate that toxic gases had exceeded permissible limits for an extended period, raising concerns about further hazards. The mining firm faces accusations of serious regulatory breaches, and production at its other sites has been halted pending safety audits.