President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has sent a message of condolence to Chinese President Xi Jinping following a tragic gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi Province.

In the message, President Dr Muizzu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which claimed numerous lives and left many others injured.

On behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives, the President extended condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to the government and people of China. He also conveyed solidarity with China during the time of mourning and wished strength and resilience to those affected, along with success in ongoing rescue operations.

Chinese authorities have reported that at least 82 people were killed in the explosion, making it the country’s deadliest mining disaster since 2009.