TAIYUAN: A massive explosion at a coal mine in northern China has left at least 82 people dead, while nine others are still missing, according to reports from state media.

The accident occurred on Friday evening at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi province. Rescue operations are still underway as emergency teams continue searching for survivors.

Officials said the gas explosion happened at around 7:29 pm local time when nearly 247 workers were on duty inside the mine.