PAKISTAN – Pakistan Coal Mine Explosion Kills at Least 32 Miners

At least 32 miners have died following a coal mine explosion in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, according to local authorities. The blast occurred on Thursday at a mine in Sorange, a remote area near the provincial capital of Quetta. Officials believe the explosion was caused by a buildup of methane gas inside the mine.

Rescue teams worked through the night to recover those trapped underground. Authorities initially recovered 29 bodies before locating three additional victims inside the mine. Emergency responders continued search operations more than 12 hours after the incident, although officials said the chances of finding any survivors had become extremely unlikely.

Provincial Chief Inspector of Mines Muhammad Atif said that 36 miners were working underground when the explosion occurred. Another senior mining official, Abdul Ghani Baloch, reported that the powerful blast also damaged two neighbouring coal mines, highlighting the force of the explosion.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by coal miners in Pakistan. Mining accidents occur frequently, particularly in Balochistan, where many mines operate with poor ventilation, limited gas monitoring systems, and inadequate safety infrastructure. Labour groups have repeatedly criticised mine owners for failing to enforce safety regulations and for not providing workers with sufficient protective equipment.

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