18 Killed, Dozens Trapped Underground After Methane Blast At Coal Mine In Southwest Pakistan
18 Killed, Dozens Trapped Underground After Methane Blast At Coal Mine In Southwest Pakistan Published By, Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 02:22 IST The blast
18 Killed, Dozens Trapped Underground After Methane Blast At Coal Mine In Southwest Pakistan Published By, Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 02:22 IST The blast took place on the outskirts of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, after a suspected buildup of methane gas. People gather at the entrance of a coal mine after it collapsed in the Surange area, some 50 kilometres east of Quetta. (AFP photo) At least 18 miners were killed and 24 others were trapped underground after a methane gas explosion struck a coal mine in southwest Pakistan, officials said on Thursday. The blast took place on the outskirts of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, after a suspected buildup of methane gas, government mine inspector Ghani Baloch said. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of seven miners several hours after the explosion, while 11 more bodies were later found, officials and the provincial disaster management agency said.
Baloch said rescue operations would continue until all trapped miners were located, but warned that the death toll could rise further due to the dangerous conditions inside the mine. “The chances of finding anyone alive diminish after methane gas explosions because oxygen levels drop to zero, and rescuers are also proceeding cautiously inside the mine," Baloch said. Rescue Efforts Under Difficult Conditions Balochistan Mines and Minerals Minister Shoaib Nosherwani said rescue teams were working in extremely challenging conditions as they searched for the remaining miners. He offered condolences to the victims’ families and announced compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees (around $1,800) for the families of each miner killed in the blast. Authorities said an investigation would be carried out to determine the cause of the explosion and review mining safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
A coal miners’ labour union alleged that negligence may have contributed to the tragedy and called for action against those responsible. The Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation urged authorities to enforce safety regulations and take strict action against companies violating mine safety rules. Deadly accidents are frequent in Pakistan’s coal mining sector, especially in Balochistan, where many mines lack proper ventilation, gas monitoring systems and other essential safety measures. Workers and labour groups have repeatedly accused mine owners of failing to provide adequate safety equipment and enforce safety standards. Despite the risks and low wages, thousands of miners continue to depend on the coal industry for livelihoods in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least developed province. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
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