At least 82 people have been killed in a gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi province, northern China, with nine others still missing, according to state news agency Xinhua.

The blast occurred at 19:29 local time on Friday (11:29 GMT) while 247 workers were on duty at the mine.

Rescue operations are underway at the site. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for all efforts to treat the injured and search for survivors.

He also urged the government to investigate the cause of the accident and hold those responsible accountable. Emergency teams are working at the scene.

Source: www.bbc.com