COAL MINE EXPLOSION KILLS DOZENS IN PAKISTAN'S BALOCHISTAN

A gas explosion at a coal mine in Balochistan province, Pakistan killed at least 32 people on Thursday, according to official reports. The blast occurred in the Sorange area near Quetta, the provincial capital. One report indicated 34 deaths, whilst another stated at least 32 miners had been killed and 29 bodies had been recovered by early Friday, with three more located inside the mine. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority said rescue workers continued searching for remaining trapped miners more than 12 hours after the incident, though officials stated chances of finding survivors were very low.

The explosion was likely caused by a buildup of methane gas, according to Muhammad Atif, chief inspector of mines in the province. One account stated miners were working 4,000 feet below the surface at the time of the blast. Abdul Ghani Baloch, a senior government mining official, said two mines close to each other were damaged in the powerful explosion. Abid Yaar, president of the Shangla Coal Mine Workers Association, said most of those killed came from Mian Kaly and were members of the same extended families, with workers aged between 17 and 25. Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Balochistan's top mining official, said an investigation would be conducted into the cause of the explosion and that victims' families would receive 1,800 dollars for each killed worker and 1,100 dollars for each injured worker.

Accidents are common in Pakistan's coal mining industry, particularly in Balochistan, where many mines lack adequate ventilation, gas monitoring systems and basic safety measures. Mineworkers and labour groups have long accused mine owners of failing to enforce safety regulations or provide adequate protective equipment. Despite the risks and low wages, thousands of miners depend on the coal industry for their livelihoods in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least developed province, where unemployment and poverty remain widespread.