China's Coal Mine Safety Crisis Spirals Out of Control The latest coal mine explosion in China has claimed at least 82 lives, sparking widespread outrage and raising pointed questions about the government's handling of this long running issue.
The tragedy highlights a dismal record on coal safety that underscores Beijing's failure to live up to its commitments on climate change.
Shanxi province, where the mine was located, is notorious for being one of China's most hazardous mining regions. With 247 workers on duty at the time of the explosion, it's a miracle more lives weren't lost.