International Desk:
A devastating explosion inside a coal mine in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province has killed at least 32 miners, while 10 others remain trapped underground as rescue teams continue round-the-clock operations.
The blast occurred on Thursday (July 30) at a coal mine on the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital. Officials believe the explosion was caused by a buildup of methane gas inside the mine.
According to government mine inspector Ghani Baloch, the powerful blast triggered a collapse inside the mine, burying dozens of workers. Emergency response teams, supported by heavy machinery, have been working continuously to reach those still trapped beneath the debris.
Authorities warned that conditions inside the mine remain extremely hazardous, with limited oxygen and unstable tunnels complicating rescue efforts. Officials fear the chances of finding survivors are diminishing as time passes.
Pakistan’s mining sector, particularly in Baluchistan, has long faced criticism over inadequate safety measures and poor working conditions. Methane gas explosions and mine collapses have repeatedly claimed the lives of workers in the region.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the explosion, while rescue operations remain underway.
