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 heavy casualties.

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

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Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, expressed deep condolences to the victims and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured. (Xinhua/NAN)