At least 32 killed in Pakistan coal mine explosion, 10 remain trapped; labour union blames negligence

At least 32 killed in Pakistan coal mine blast

Theindiapostdaily.com – A devastating explosion at a coal mine in Pakistan has claimed the lives of at least 32 miners, with 10 others still trapped underground in perilous conditions. The catastrophic incident occurred on Thursday on the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital of Baluchistan. According to government mine inspector Ghani Baloch, as reported by the Associated Press, the blast was likely triggered by a dangerous accumulation of methane gas within the mine shaft.

Emergency response teams worked tirelessly through the night and into the following day to recover victims from the disaster zone. Initially, seven bodies were pulled from the wreckage, and subsequently, 25 additional bodies were recovered by rescue personnel and officials from the provincial disaster management agency. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as teams strive to locate and extract the remaining trapped miners.

Rescue efforts and compensation announced

Mine inspector Ghani Baloch confirmed that rescue operations would continue until all bodies are recovered, though he cautioned that the death toll could potentially increase. “The chances of finding anyone alive diminish after methane gas explosions because oxygen levels drop to zero, and rescuers are also proceeding cautiously inside the mine,” Baloch explained in his statement to AP reporters.

Shoaib Nosherwani, the Minister for Mines and Minerals in Baluchistan, described the challenging circumstances facing rescue teams working in the mine. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims who perished in this tragic accident. The provincial government has committed to providing compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees, approximately USD 1,800, to the family of each miner who lost their life in the explosion.

A comprehensive investigation into the root cause of the blast will be conducted, according to the minister. Meanwhile, a labour union representing coal miners has expressed suspicion that negligence played a significant role in causing the disaster, prompting calls for accountability against those responsible for the tragedy.

Historical safety concerns in Pakistani mines

The Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation has issued an official statement regarding the incident, urging the government to strictly enforce existing safety regulations. The federation is also demanding action against mining firms that are found violating mine safety norms. According to AP reports, deadly accidents are unfortunately not uncommon in Pakistan’s coal mining industry, particularly in the Baluchistan region.

Mines in this area frequently lack fundamental ventilation systems, gas monitoring equipment, and other essential safety measures. For many years, labour groups and mine workers have consistently accused mine owners of failing to meet safety regulations and not providing adequate protective equipment to their workforce.

Baluchistan, which stands as Pakistan’s largest province, remains one of its least developed regions. Poverty and unemployment continue to affect local communities significantly, causing residents to work in mines despite the inherent risks and relatively poor wages. The coal industry remains a vital source of livelihood for many families in the area.

With AP inputs