At least 11 coal miners were killed and dozens are missing after an explosion and collapse at a mining complex in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Rescue efforts are underway at a depth of 4,000 feet.
The incident highlights the persistent safety concerns and inadequate regulations within Pakistan's coal mining sector, where deadly accidents are common.
At least 11 coal miners were killed and dozens remained missing following a powerful methane gas explosion and subsequent collapse at a mining complex in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Thursday. The incident occurred in Sorange, a remote area near the provincial capital Quetta.
Shoaib Nosherwani, Balochistan's Minister for Mines and Minerals, stated that 36 people were in the collapsed section at the time of the explosion, with 25 missing late Thursday night. Muhammad Atif, the Chief Inspector of Mines, expressed low hopes for finding survivors due to the nature of methane gas explosions.
Abdul Ghani Baloch, a senior government mining official, confirmed that two adjacent mines were damaged by the blast, which was apparently triggered by a buildup of methane gas. He noted that oxygen levels drop to zero after such explosions, making rescue operations cautious.
Deadly accidents are frequent in Pakistan's coal mining industry, particularly in Balochistan, where many mines reportedly lack adequate ventilation, gas monitoring systems, and other basic safety measures. Mine workers and labor groups have long accused mine owners of failing to enforce safety regulations or provide sufficient protective equipment. The Sorange incident follows other recent deadly mining disasters in Balochistan.