32 miners killed, several feared trapped in Balochistan coal mine blast

At least 32 coal miners were killed after a powerful explosion ripped through a coal mine in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, while around 10 others remain trapped underground, raising fears that the death toll could climb further.

The explosion occurred on Thursday (July 30) at a coal mine on the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital, according to local authorities.

Pakistan's Chief Mines Inspector Ghani Baloch said preliminary investigations suggest that the blast was triggered by a buildup of methane gas inside the mine. He warned that the chances of finding the trapped workers alive were "extremely slim" due to the conditions underground.

Rescue teams initially recovered seven bodies within hours of the explosion before retrieving 25 more, bringing the confirmed death toll to 32. Search and recovery operations are continuing as emergency crews work to locate the remaining trapped miners.

Officials said the rescue mission remains challenging because oxygen levels inside the mine dropped sharply after the explosion, creating a highly hazardous environment for rescuers. Authorities have vowed to continue the operation until the fate of every missing worker is confirmed.

Balochistan's Minister for Mines and Minerals Shoaib Nosherwani expressed condolences to the bereaved families and announced compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees for the family of each victim. He also ordered a formal investigation into the incident and a comprehensive review of safety measures at coal mines across the province.

However, the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation blamed the tragedy on negligence and inadequate safety standards. The federation called for strict enforcement of mine safety regulations, accountability for those responsible and legal action against companies found violating safety requirements.

Deadly mining accidents are a recurring problem in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where many coal mines lack adequate ventilation systems, gas detection equipment and other critical safety infrastructure. Despite the risks and low wages, thousands of workers continue to rely on the coal mining industry for their livelihoods due to widespread poverty and unemployment in the region.