Chinese President Xi Jinping has made important instructions following a coal mine gas explosion on Friday in north China's Shanxi Province, urging all-out rescue of the missing and treatment of the injured.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, demanded organizing rescue operations in a scientific manner and proper handling of the aftermath of the accident.

He also urged a prompt investigation into the accident, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable.

The gas explosion occurred underground at Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County at 7:29 p.m. on Friday, resulting in heavy casualties.

Authorities across the country must draw profound lessons from the accident, remain vigilant on workplace safety, and intensify efforts to identify and eliminate potential risks in order to prevent major accidents, Xi added.

Noting that China is entering the flood season, Xi also urged strengthened emergency preparedness and solid flood control and disaster relief measures to safeguard people's lives and property.

Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, called for timely and accurate information release, a swift investigation into the cause of the accident, and strict accountability in accordance with laws and regulations.

Li also urged the Office of the Work Safety Commission under the State Council to further supervise and guide local authorities and relevant departments in strengthening workplace safety responsibilities and conducting thorough safety inspections in key industries and sectors to prevent major accidents.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing led officials from relevant departments to the site to guide rescue and emergency response efforts.

Officials from Shanxi provincial authorities and Changzhi City are coordinating on-site rescue operations and medical treatment for the injured. Rescue and follow-up work is still underway.