An explosion inside a coal mine in southwest Pakistan killed at least six miners and trapped 42 others underground on Thursday. The blast occurred on the outskirts of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province.
Government mine inspector Ghani Baloch confirmed that the bodies of six miners were recovered hours after the deadly incident. The explosion was apparently triggered by a buildup of methane gas. Rescue workers, supported by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and other emergency responders, are continuing efforts to reach the trapped miners.
Baloch stated that the rescue operation will persist until all trapped miners are accounted for. The depth at which the miners were working has not been immediately disclosed.
Fatal accidents are a recurring issue in Pakistan's coal mining sector, particularly in Baluchistan. Many mines in the region are reported to lack adequate ventilation, gas monitoring systems, and other essential safety measures. Mine workers and labor groups have frequently accused mine owners of failing to enforce safety regulations and provide sufficient protective equipment.
Despite the inherent risks and low wages, thousands of individuals in Baluchistan rely on the coal industry for their livelihoods. Baluchistan is Pakistan's largest province but remains the least developed, with widespread unemployment and poverty.