In recent news from the Epoch Times dated June 10, 2026, it was reported that Zhang Heping, Deputy Director of the Shanxi Provincial Emergency Management Department, is under investigation in connection with the Liushenyu Coal Mine accident involving Tongzhou Group. The public continues to demand a thorough investigation into the true “big tiger” behind the scenes.
On the evening of June 10th, the Shanxi Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission and Supervisory Commission of the Communist Party of China announced that Zhang Heping is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law in relation to the “5.22” particularly serious gas explosion accident at the Liushenyu Coal Industry Co., Ltd. of the Tongzhou Group. He is currently undergoing disciplinary review and supervision investigation by the provincial discipline inspection and supervisory commission.
Public records show that Zhang Heping, born in June 1968, previously worked in state-owned coal enterprises in Shanxi Province, including the Luan Group. He has held positions such as Director and Party Secretary of the Coal Industry Bureau in Changzhi City, as well as member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Mayor of Changzhi City.
Reacting to this news, netizens expressed their opinions on Weibo, with comments like, “Another deputy department head has fallen, this is the report from the Shanxi Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, it’s not over yet, let’s continue to wait!” “Finally dealing with a decent cadre.” “To be continued.” “Keep digging!!!” “Continue the investigation, there are bigger fish to catch.” “There are plenty of big tigers in the chain.” “Scapegoats, the real mastermind behind the scenes will not face legal punishment.”
On May 22, 2026, at 7:29 PM, a gas explosion occurred at the Liushenyu Coal Mine, owned by Tongzhou Group, in Qinyuan County, Changzhi City. The accident resulted in 82 fatalities, 2 missing individuals, and 128 injured who were hospitalized.
Following the accident, several lower-level officials in Shanxi Province were investigated, including Zhao Yongjin, Party Secretary of Qinyuan County, three officials from the Qinyuan County Emergency Management Bureau – Director Sun Xiaoye, Deputy Team Leader of the Emergency Management Comprehensive Administrative Enforcement Team (responsible for daily operations) Yue Xiaodong, and Team Leader of the Enforcement Team of the Emergency Management Comprehensive Administrative Enforcement Team Zhang Qian.
The authorities’ handling of lower-level officials has sparked public dissatisfaction, with some accusing them of “protecting their own interests.” Calls for continued thorough investigations continue to echo on the internet, stating, “Investigate at the provincial, municipal, and county levels, do not let any wrongdoer escape punishment.” “No investigation until something happens, then they investigate these ‘officials’ to show the public.”