The blast occurred at approximately 2:20 a.m., when a series of gas explosions rocked the mine and killed or trapped dozens of miners. More than 400 miners were working at the time of the explosion. At least 114 were injured in the blast, many suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Xinhua News Agency in China reported that as a result of the blast, three coal mine officials, including the chief of the mine, the engineer-in-chief and a deputy chief in charge of work safety.
Xinhua also reported that the Shanxi Provincial Coal Industry Social Security Bureau set aside 28.06 million yuan ($4.1 million U.S.) as insurance payouts for victims.