At Least 32 Killed As Blast Tears Through Pakistan’s Balochistan Coal Mine

Deadly Mine Explosion Strikes

At least 32 coal miners were killed after an explosion ripped through a mine in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province on Thursday, leaving rescuers with little hope of finding anyone alive.

Footage captured on Friday shows ambulances lined up outside the mine, rescue teams and miners crowding the site, workers operating deep underground and wooden coffins stacked outside the complex.

“Due to the mine collapse, we were forced to start a rescue operation through this mine, and we were able to retrieve the bodies,” said Muhammad Zeshan, an engineer and mine rescue and safety superintendent officer.

“So far, we have recovered the bodies of 32 individuals, with only the bodies of two mine workers remaining, and our rescue operation is ongoing to recover them,” he added.

Workers Face Dangerous Conditions

Coal miner Muhammad Shah said poverty drove workers into the deadly conditions underground.

“These people come here due to poverty and work in these mines, they are forced to do so and work in very dangerous places,” he said.

“Sometimes incidents occur and in this incident, all 34 people have died. Among the deceased, three were trying to save others, but unfortunately, they also lost their lives. This is the current condition of the mine,” he added.

The blast tore through the coal mine in the Sorange area near the provincial capital, Quetta, on Thursday. It is believed to have been triggered by a build-up of methane gas.

Officials said 36 miners were inside when the explosion struck.

Article by Viory