At least 82 people have been killed following a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China, state media reported on Saturday, marking one of the country’s deadliest industrial accidents in recent years.

According to state news agency Xinhua, the explosion occurred at about 7:29 p.m. on Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi Province.

A total of 247 workers were underground when the blast happened. Most of them were rescued and brought to the surface by Saturday morning.

However, authorities confirmed that 82 people died in the incident, while rescue teams continued searching for nine workers still missing.

Footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV showed emergency responders carrying stretchers at the scene, with ambulances stationed nearby.

Chinese President Xi Jinping directed authorities to make “all-out efforts” to treat injured victims and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Xi also urged regions and government agencies across the country to strengthen workplace safety measures and prevent similar disasters.

“Lessons must be drawn from this accident, vigilance regarding workplace safety must remain high, and major accidents must be prevented,” Xinhua quoted the President as saying.

Authorities said a company official linked to the mining operation had been placed under investigation.

Initial reports indicated that carbon monoxide levels inside the mine had exceeded safety limits, trapping dozens of workers underground.

Shanxi Province remains China’s major coal-producing region and has recorded several mining accidents over the years despite efforts to improve safety standards.