A deadly coal mine blast near Quetta has claimed the lives of at least 34 miners, according to officials. Rescue teams continue working to reach the remaining workers believed to be trapped underground.
The explosion took place at a coal mine in the Suranj area on the outskirts of Quetta. Dozens of miners were inside the mine when the incident happened, leaving many trapped beneath the ground.
Authorities said rescue workers recovered the bodies of 34 miners during the ongoing operation. The search continues as emergency teams try to reach other workers who may still be inside the mine.
Balochistan’s Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals, Shoaib Nosherwani, said rescue personnel are facing very difficult conditions. He added that every available resource is being used to complete the operation as quickly as possible.
The minister expressed sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in the coal mine blast. He said the provincial government would provide financial assistance to the affected families.
According to the announcement, the family of each deceased miner will receive Rs500,000 in compensation. Injured workers will receive Rs300,000 to help cover their immediate needs.
Nosherwani also confirmed that a full investigation would be launched. The inquiry will determine the exact cause of the explosion and examine whether safety measures were properly followed.
Earlier, the owner of the mine said methane gas caused the explosion. Methane is a highly flammable gas commonly found in underground coal mines. If not properly controlled, it can lead to deadly explosions.
The mine owner stated that 42 workers were inside the mine when the blast occurred. He also said all of the trapped miners belong to Shangla district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rescue teams continue to work carefully because underground conditions remain dangerous. Officials have not confirmed how many workers are still trapped or when the operation will end.
Mining accidents remain a serious concern in Pakistan, especially in coal-producing regions where workers often face hazardous conditions. Safety experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of proper ventilation, gas monitoring, and emergency response systems to reduce the risk of such disasters.
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The latest coal mine blast has once again raised concerns about mine safety and worker protection. Authorities say their immediate priority is to rescue any remaining workers and support the affected families. The planned investigation is expected to determine what caused the tragedy and whether additional safety measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
