Pakistan: Massive explosion in Quetta coal mine kills 32 miners; 10 still trapped

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 At least 32 miners were killed in a massive explosion at a coal mine located on the outskirts of Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, while 10 workers are still trapped inside the mine. Officials fear that the chances of survival of the trapped miners are very slim. According to government mine inspector Ghani Baloch, preliminary investigations suggest that the cause of the accident was a methane gas explosion. He said that after a gas explosion, the oxygen level inside the mine becomes almost zero, due to which the chances of anyone surviving are very slim.

Rescue operations underway, teams working in difficult conditions

According to officials and the provincial disaster management agency, seven bodies were recovered a few hours after the explosion. Rescue teams later pulled out 25 more bodies. Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams trying to reach the trapped workers. Ghani Baloch said the operation will continue until every trapped miner is found. He also expressed fears that the death toll could rise.

The families of the deceased will get compensation

Balochistan’s Minister for Mines and Minerals, Shoaib Nosherwani, expressed deep sorrow over the accident and said the provincial government would provide compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees to each of the deceased miners’ families. He said a thorough investigation would be conducted into the cause of the explosion and safety standards in the mines would be reviewed.

Labor organizations raised questions about safety

The coal miners’ union alleged that the accident may have been the result of negligence. The organization demanded strict action against the culprits, urging the government to strictly enforce mine safety regulations and take strict action against companies violating safety laws.

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