CHINA

Former Chinese Mayor Investigated Amid Fallout From Deadly Coal Mine Blast

Published: Jul. 31, 2026 11:30 a.m. GMT+8

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File photo: Chen Xiangyang. Photo: IC Photo

A sweeping anti-corruption investigation triggered by one of China’s deadliest coal mine disasters in over a decade has ensnared the former mayor of the city where the blast occurred.

Chen Xiangyang, who stepped down as mayor of Changzhi in northern Shanxi province earlier this month, is suspected of “severe violations of discipline and law,” the provincial disciplinary watchdog announced July 30. He is currently undergoing internal party review and a government investigation.

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Explore the story in 30 seconds

Gas explosion at Liushenyu coal mine killed 82, injured 128, worst in over a decade.
Former mayor Chen Xiangyang and multiple county party chiefs under anti-corruption probe.
Miners revealed advance notice of safety checks; regulatory department leadership investigated.

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Who’s Who

Shanxi Coking Coal Group: According to the article, Shanxi Coking Coal Group is a state-owned enterprise. Chen Xiangyang, the former mayor of Changzhi investigated after a deadly coal mine disaster, previously spent an extensive stint managing exports for the group.

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What Happened When

March 2023：: Chen Xiangyang is appointed mayor of Changzhi.

Earlier in 2023：: Jin Suojun, a former Qinyuan county chief, is arrested.

May 22, 2026：: Gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Qinyuan county kills 82 people, leaves two missing, and injures 128 others.

June 2, 2026：: Zhao Yongjin, the Qinyuan county party chief at the time of the blast, is placed under investigation.

June 18, 2026：: Cui Zhengling is appointed as the new Qinyuan county party chief.

June 22, 2026：: Geng Qinglu, a senior researcher with the Eighth Inspection and Enforcement Department (Department 8), is investigated specifically tied to the May 22, 2026 explosion.

June 24, 2026：: Former Qinyuan county chief Li Dingfu turns himself in.

July 2, 2026：: Cui Ruijun, director of Department 8, is placed under investigation.

July 4, 2026：: Senior investigators Hu Huisong and Yu Zhangqing from Department 8 are placed under investigation.

July 7, 2026：: Chen Xiangyang resigns as mayor of Changzhi, roughly six weeks after the mine disaster.

July 13, 2026：: Hu Haijun, director of the National Mine Safety Administration's Shanxi Bureau, is placed under investigation by central anti-graft authorities.

July 30, 2026：: Chen Xiangyang is suspected of "severe violations of discipline and law" as announced by the provincial disciplinary watchdog; he undergoes internal party review and government investigation.

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