Explosion at Southwest Pakistan Coal Mine Leaves 18 Miners Dead, 24 Trapped

An explosion at a coal mine in southwestern Pakistan has left 18 miners dead and 24 others trapped.

According to AP, Reuters, and other news outlets, a gas explosion occurred the previous day (the 30th) at a coal mine on the outskirts of Quetta in Balochistan province, southwestern Pakistan.

The accident caused part of the tunnel to collapse, killing 18 miners and trapping 24 underground.

Ghani Baloch, a government mine inspector in Pakistan, explained that the blast is believed to have been caused by an accumulation of methane gas.

The Pakistani government stated that rescue operations are underway at a depth of 1,200 meters underground, emphasizing that they will continue until all miners trapped inside the collapsed coal mine are found.

However, Baloch explained, "After a methane gas explosion, the oxygen concentration drops to zero, reducing the likelihood of finding survivors," adding, "Rescue workers are also proceeding with the search operations inside the mine with extreme caution."

Shoaib Noshervwani, Balochistan's minister for mines and mineral development, expressed condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and announced that compensation of 1,800 dollars (approx. 2.5 million won) will be provided to the family of each deceased miner.

He added that a thorough investigation into the exact cause of the explosion will be conducted and safety measures will be re-examined to prevent similar accidents.

The coal miners union suspected that the accident was caused by negligence and urged authorities to take action against those responsible.

The Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation stated in a statement that safety regulations must be strictly enforced and companies violating mining safety laws should face strong action.

In Pakistan, which has many mines, accidents frequently occur due to a lack of safety facilities and poor working conditions.

In June 2024, a gas explosion at a mine in Balochistan province killed 12 workers, and in January of last year, 12 miners were trapped in a mine in the same region.

Balochistan province, bordering Afghanistan and Iran, is rich in various mineral resources but is considered the poorest region in Pakistan.

Because of this, thousands of miners brave low wages and danger to work in the mines for a living.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.