The gas explosion occurred late Friday at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, with 247 workers on duty underground, according to state media outlet Xinhua.
Xi called on authorities to “spare no effort” in treating the injured and carrying out search and rescue operations, while also ordering a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and strict accountability under the law.
He stressed that all regions and departments must learn lessons from the incident, remain vigilant regarding workplace safety, and take steps to prevent major industrial accidents.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang also called for timely release of information and rigorous accountability.
By early Saturday, 201 workers had been brought to the surface along with the eight confirmed dead, while rescue operations continued for those still trapped underground.
Local emergency management authorities said the cause of the accident remained under investigation.
Earlier reports said carbon monoxide levels at the mine had exceeded safety limits, while some trapped workers were believed to be in critical condition.
