A gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi Province, northern China, killed 82 people. Another nine are still missing, according to a report.

The executives of the company responsible for the mine have been detained. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered assistance to the victims and a comprehensive search and rescue operation. The cause of the accident will be determined following an investigation.

The gas explosion occurred on the evening of May 22 at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county. Prior to the explosion, a gas leak alert had been issued at the mine. At the time, 247 workers were underground. The mine is owned by Tongzhou Group.