Seoul, May 24 (IANS) South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday expressed condolences over a deadly gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s Shanxi province, voicing hope for a swift recovery from the tragedy.

“I pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident, and express my deep condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and to the people of China,” Lee wrote on the social media platform X.

He also posted the message in Chinese, Yonhap news agency reported.

The South Korean President expressed hope that the situation would be brought swiftly under control through the efforts of the Chinese government and relevant authorities, and wished a speedy recovery to all those who were injured in the explosion.

At least 82 people were killed in the gas explosion that occurred at the Liushenyu coal mine in northern China on Friday, according to media reports.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping over the loss of lives in a mining accident in Shanxi Province.

“Saddened by the loss of lives in a mining accident in China’s Shanxi Province. On behalf of the people of India, my condolences to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. May the bereaved families find strength in this tragic hour. Praying for the early and safe recovery of all remaining missing persons,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Deadly accidents are common in China’s coal mining industry, due to which safety standards have been tightened in recent years, but accidents still occur.

Earlier in 2025, three people were trapped following a coal mine accident in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province.

The accident occurred when part of an underground tunnel collapsed in Zhenping County, in the city of Ankang.

Eight workers were carrying out rectification work at the site when the collapse happened, with five of them managing to escape safely.

–IANS

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