China ramps up medical response after deadly Shanxi coal mine explosion

The National Health Commission said on Saturday that it has organized health officials and multidisciplinary medical experts to guide treatment for people injured in a coal mine blast in northern China's Shanxi province.

Senior officials from the commission have been dispatched to guide on-site rescue and medical treatment efforts.

Three medical specialists in respiratory and intensive care, burns, and orthopedic trauma from Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Beijing Jishuitan Hospital have also been sent to provide on-the-ground medical support.

Experts from leading hospitals specializing in trauma care, intensive care and respiratory care have been mobilized to provide remote consultations.

As of 2 pm Saturday, 82 people had been confirmed dead following the blast at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county in Shanxi's Changzhi city, China Media Group reported.

The Health Commission of Shanxi Province has mobilized 17 specialists from top medical institutions within the province. Meanwhile, Changzhi city has deployed 86 ambulances to ensure all-out efforts in medical treatment.