Post by : Rohit Dhiman

A powerful explosion inside a coal mine in Balochistan, Pakistan, has killed at least 34 miners, according to the provincial disaster management authority. Rescue teams continued operations on Friday to locate and recover any remaining workers trapped underground after the deadly incident. The blast occurred on Thursday at a coal mine in the Sorange area, around 50 kilometres east of Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s resource-rich Balochistan province. Authorities believe the explosion was likely caused by the accumulation of methane gas inside the mine.

Rescue Operation Underway After Deadly Mine Collapse

The Balochistan Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said in a statement that rescue teams had recovered 34 bodies from the collapsed mine during overnight operations. "The joint rescue operation is still underway to locate and recover the remaining trapped miners," the disaster agency said, while officials have not confirmed the exact number of workers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion. Emergency teams, miners, and relatives gathered outside the mine entrance as rescue operations continued. Workers carried bodies from the underground tunnels, many covered in soot, and transferred them to ambulances and waiting vehicles.

Fellow Miners Also Died During Rescue Attempt

Witnesses reported that after the explosion, several miners rushed underground to help their colleagues trapped inside the mine. Ahmed Zada, a worker at the mining site, told AFP that some miners entered the tunnel as part of the rescue effort but also lost their lives during the operation.

Safety Concerns Rise Over Pakistan Mining Sector

Mining accidents remain frequent in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan, where safety standards and enforcement have long been a concern. Labour organisations have repeatedly demanded stronger workplace protections, better equipment, and stricter monitoring of mining operations. Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province by area and one of its poorest regions. Despite economic challenges, the province has significant natural resources, including coal, gold, and copper reserves.

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Why Coal Mine Accidents Happen in Pakistan? 

Coal mine accidents in Pakistan are often linked to factors such as:

• Methane gas explosions

• Poor ventilation systems

• Lack of safety equipment

• Weak enforcement of mining regulations

• Hazardous underground working conditions

The latest incident has once again highlighted concerns over miner safety and the need for improved protection measures in Pakistan’s mining industry.

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