Pakistan coal mine blast kills 32 miners; 10 remain trapped as rescue operation continues

Quetta: At least 32 miners were killed and 10 others remained trapped after a powerful explosion ripped through a coal mine in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province, officials said, as rescuers continued efforts to reach those still underground.

The blast occurred on Thursday on the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital, and was apparently caused by a buildup of methane gas inside the mine, according to government mine inspector Ghani Baloch.

Emergency responders initially recovered seven bodies before rescuers found 25 more, taking the death toll to 32. Search operations were continuing late into the day, with rescue teams attempting to locate the remaining trapped miners.

Officials fear the toll could rise as conditions inside the mine remain hazardous.

"The chances of finding anyone alive diminish after methane gas explosions because oxygen levels drop to zero, and rescuers are also proceeding cautiously inside the mine," Baloch said.

He said the rescue operation would continue until all trapped miners had been accounted for. Authorities have begun handing over the bodies of the victims to their families, while relatives of those still missing waited anxiously for updates.

Baluchistan's Minister for Mines and Minerals, Shoaib Nosherwani, said rescue workers were operating under extremely challenging conditions.

Nosherwani expressed condolences to the victims' families and announced compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees (about USD 1,800) for the family of each miner killed. He also said authorities would conduct a thorough investigation into the explosion and review mining safety standards.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation alleged negligence may have contributed to the disaster. The union urged the government to strictly enforce mine safety regulations and take action against companies found violating safety laws.

Coal mining accidents are frequent in Pakistan, particularly in Baluchistan, where many mines operate with inadequate ventilation, poor gas monitoring systems and limited safety measures. Labour groups have long accused mine owners of failing to provide proper protective equipment despite the dangerous working conditions.