QUETTA: An explosion inside a coal mine in Pakistan’s Balochistan province killed at least 32 miners and trapped 10 others underground in what officials believed to be life-threatening conditions as rescuers raced to reach them.
According to mining officials, the deadly blast took place on Thursday at a coal mine in Sorange, a remote area near the provincial capital Quetta, and was likely caused by a buildup of methane gas.
“34 miners were inside the two mines when the explosion occurred. So far, 32 bodies have been recovered from both mines,” Chief Inspector of Mines Balochistan Muhammad Atif said, adding that the operation is continuing in the mine where the explosion took place to recover two miners.
The blast was heard over a wide area of Sorange. Another mine near the main site was also severely affected by explosion with 12 miners working in the second mine at the time.
The bodies were handed over to the families for burial, while relatives of those still trapped waited anxiously for news.
Coal mining incidents are common in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where many mines lack adequate ventilation, gas monitoring systems and other basic safety measures.
Labour groups and mineworkers have long accused mine owners of failing to enforce safety regulations or provide proper protective equipment.
Three people were injured in Khanuzai, Quetta division, in June after mining explosives accidentally detonated, while three coal miners were killed in a separate mine accident in Bolan in April.
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