At least 90 people have died after a powerful gas explosion struck a coal mine in northern China, according to Chinese state media. The blast happened at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi Province, an area known as China’s main coal-producing region. The mine is operated by the Tongzhou Group. Officials said the explosion occurred on Friday evening while 247 workers were inside the mine. More than 100 injured people have reportedly been taken to hospitals, while rescue teams continue searching for possible survivors underground. Videos released by state media showed emergency workers carrying stretchers near ambulances and industrial buildings at the site. Hundreds of rescuers, including specialised emergency response teams, have been sent to assist with the operation. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for every effort to be made to save the injured and investigate the cause of the accident. He also ordered authorities to hold those responsible accountable. According to reports, officials connected to the mine have already been detained. Investigators believe dangerous levels of carbon monoxide may have contributed to the disaster, although the exact cause is still under investigation. China’s Ministry of Emergency Management said 345 rescue workers from six different teams are involved in the operation. Shanxi Province has a long history of mining accidents. Although safety standards have improved over recent years, deadly coal mine disasters still happen in China from time to time. China remains the world’s largest consumer of coal and one of the biggest producers of greenhouse gas emissions, even as it continues investing heavily in renewable energy projects.