Pakistan Coal Mine Blast Kills 32, Search Continues for 10 Trapped Workers

A powerful methane gas explosion inside a coal mine on the outskirts of Quetta in Pakistan's Balochistan province has killed at least 32 miners, while 10 others remain trapped underground, prompting an intensive rescue operation amid fears that the death toll could rise further.

The explosion occurred on Thursday and is believed to have been triggered by a buildup of methane gas inside the mine. According to mine inspector Ghani Baloch, rescue teams initially recovered seven bodies, before locating 25 more victims as they ventured deeper into the damaged tunnels.

Authorities warned that the chances of finding survivors were diminishing rapidly. Methane explosions consume oxygen inside underground shafts, creating life-threatening conditions for anyone trapped while also making rescue efforts extremely dangerous. Emergency teams have been moving cautiously through unstable sections of the mine to avoid further accidents.

Balochistan's Minister for Mines and Minerals, Shoaib Nosherwani, said rescue personnel were working under extremely difficult conditions. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced that the provincial government would provide 500,000 Pakistani rupees in compensation to the family of each miner killed. He also said a comprehensive investigation would be launched into the cause of the explosion and that mining safety measures across the province would be reviewed.

The tragedy has once again brought Pakistan's mining safety record under scrutiny. The Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation alleged that negligence may have contributed to the disaster and urged authorities to take strict action against companies found violating mine safety regulations.

Deadly mining accidents are a recurring problem in Balochistan, where many coal mines reportedly operate with inadequate ventilation, poor gas monitoring systems and insufficient protective equipment. Labour groups have long accused mine operators of ignoring safety standards despite the hazardous working conditions.

Despite the risks, thousands of workers continue to depend on coal mining for their livelihoods in Pakistan's largest yet least-developed province, where poverty and unemployment leave many with few alternative sources of income.