Methane explosion accidents of tunnels in SW China

Abstract

This Express Letter reports three methane explosion accidents during tunnel construction in Southwest China. In recent years, tunnel construction of China is developing rapidly. The geological conditions of the tunnel passing through are extremely complex, especially, tunnels in coal strata increase rapidly, what’s worse, many methane explosions occur during the tunnel construction. The backgrounds, causes and rescue operation of three methane explosion accidents situation are studied. Furthermore, we proposed relevant measures to prevent methane explosions of tunnels.