An explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province killed at least 34 miners on Thursday, according to a Pakistani official. The incident occurred in a mining complex in the remote area of Sorange, near Quetta, due to a powerful methane gas explosion that damaged two nearby mines.
The incident highlights the persistent dangers in Pakistan's coal mining sector, where inadequate safety measures contribute to frequent deadly accidents and underscore the need for improved regulation and enforcement.
At least 34 miners were killed and 10 remained trapped after a methane gas explosion in a coal mine complex in the Sorange area of Balochistan province, Pakistan, on Thursday. Officials believe the blast was triggered by a buildup of methane gas, and rescue operations are ongoing with fears the death toll could rise.
Rescuers recovered seven bodies initially, with emergency responders later finding 25 more. Ghani Baloch, a government mine inspector, stated that rescue operations would continue cautiously, but the chances of finding survivors are low due to the nature of methane gas explosions.
Balochistan’s Minister for Mines and Minerals, Shoaib Nosherwani, announced that the provincial government would pay compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees (about $1,800) to each victim's family. Authorities plan to investigate the cause of the explosion and review mining safety measures, while a labor union has called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, citing negligence.
Deadly accidents are common in Pakistan's coal mining industry, particularly in Balochistan, where many mines reportedly lack adequate safety measures.
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