Pak coal mine blast kills 32, 10 still trapped

Quetta: At least 32 miners were killed and 10 remained trapped after a methane gas explosion ripped through a coal mine on the outskirts of Quetta in Pakistan’s Balochi­stan, officials said on Friday. The blast occurred on Thursday and was believed to have been caused by a build-up of methane gas, government mine inspector Ghani Baloch said.

Rescuers recovered seven bodies shortly after the explosion and later found 25 more. Search and rescue operations were continuing, though officials feared the death toll could rise. “The chances of finding anyone alive diminish after methane gas explosions because oxygen levels drop to zero,” Baloch said.

Baluchistan Minister for Mines and Minerals Shoaib Nosherwani announced compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees for the family of each deceased miner and said the government would investigate the incident and review mine safety measures. Deadly mining accidents are common in Pakistan, where labour groups have long blamed poor safety standards and inadequate protective equipment.

—PTI