The death toll from a coal mine explosion in Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan has risen to at least 34. Officials continue to search for miners who may be trapped underground amid fading hopes. The blast is believed to have been caused by the accumulation of methane gas inside the mine.
The Balochistan Provincial Disaster Management Authority reported that rescue teams have recovered the bodies of at least 34 victims from a coal mine in the Sorange area near Quetta, the provincial capital.
The explosion occurred around midday on Thursday (30 Jul) at a coal mine located approximately 50 kilometers from Quetta. The blast caused damage to two adjacent mines and prompted a search and rescue operation that continued throughout the night.
Authorities stated that the search efforts are ongoing to locate and extract any miners still trapped underground, although the exact number of workers present at the time remains unclear. They believe the explosion was likely caused by methane gas buildup, a common cause of coal mine accidents worldwide.
Earlier, Muhammad Atif, the provincial chief mine inspector, said about 36 workers were inside the mine when the explosion happened. Rescue officials noted that despite ongoing efforts to find those trapped, more than 12 hours have passed, and the mine’s conditions have greatly reduced the chances of survival.
Ahmed Sada, a miner at the site, recounted that after hearing the explosion, some workers rushed into the tunnels to help trapped colleagues. However, several of those who went in to assist also died due to the blast and the hazardous mine atmosphere.
The mine entrance was crowded with relatives of the victims, workers, and rescue personnel awaiting the search results. Officials were seen carrying the bodies, some covered in coal dust, out of the tunnels on stretchers before transferring them to ambulances and mortuary vehicles.
Coal mine accidents are frequent in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan, a major coal-producing province. Many mines lack proper ventilation systems, gas detectors, and standard safety equipment.
Labor unions and workers' rights organizations have repeatedly criticized mine operators for failing to enforce safety measures seriously and for providing insufficient protective gear to workers.
Despite high risks and low wages, thousands rely on the coal mining industry for their livelihood, as Balochistan—the largest province in Pakistan—continues to face poverty, unemployment, and economic underdevelopment compared to other regions, despite its rich natural resources including coal, gold, and copper.
,AFP