Coal mine blast near Quetta kills at least 18 miners, leaving others trapped underground

An explosion at a coal mine on the outskirts of Quetta, Balochistan, has killed at least 18 miners, according to early reports, and left rescue teams searching for more trapped workers.

Blast Cause and Immediate Impact

The blast, officials say, was set off by a buildup of methane gas inside the mine complex, according to mine inspector Ghani Baloch.

Fatalities and Rescue Efforts

Initial death‑toll estimates ranged from 18 to 32, and a later surge brought the figure to 34 as bodies were recovered from the collapsed tunnels, indicating the toll is still evolving.

Rescue crews have already retrieved 7 bodies hours after the explosion and recovered 25 more later; at least 10 miners remain trapped underground under extremely difficult conditions.

Mine Location and Safety Context

The mine is situated in the Sorange area on the outskirts of Quetta. Many coal mines in Balochistan lack proper ventilation, gas‑monitoring systems, and other safety equipment, a shortfall that local unions say contributes to frequent accidents.

Government Response

Provincial Mines Minister Shoaib Nosherwani announced that the government would pay 500,000 Pakistani rupees (≈US$1,800) to each family of a miner killed, and pledged to investigate the explosion and review safety protocols.

Union Reaction

The Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation has demanded stricter enforcement of safety regulations and sanctions against companies that fail to protect workers, citing the explosion as evidence of longstanding negligence.