Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin over a coal mine accident in Russia that caused dozens of casualties. 

In his message, Xi said he was shocked to learn that a gas explosion occurred in a coal mine in Belovo, a city in Russia's Kemerovo Region, and caused heavy casualties. 

Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, as well as in his own name, expressed deep condolences to the victims and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured.

It was reported a total of 52 people, including six rescuers, were killed after smoke occurred in the Listvyazhnaya mine, the most deadly mine accident in five years in the country.

There were 285 people underground when the accident happened and most of them were lifted out of the mine.

According to regional authorities, 38 people have been hospitalized with four of them in serious condition, and 13 others received outpatient treatment.

Kemerovo Region has announced three days of mourning from Friday until Sunday.

(Cover: The headquarters of the Listvyazhnaya mine, Belovo City, Kemerovo Region, Russia, November 25, 2021. /Kemerovo Region government)