China coal mine explosion leaves 82 people dead

The blast in Shanxi province constitutes the country's worst mining disaster in 16 years.

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Rescue officials revised down the death toll in an update late on Saturday, having earlier said at least 90 people had died.

The gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi province is the worst mining disaster in China since 2009.

There were 247 workers reportedly on duty when the blast happened at 19:29 local time (11:29 GMT) on Friday, with more than 100 people said to be saved and hundreds of rescuers sent to the site.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said no effort must be spared in efforts to treat the injured and search for survivors.