Balochistan coal mine blast death toll rises to 34

The death toll from a methane gas explosion at a coal mine in the Sorange area of Pakistan's Balochistan province has risen to 34, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Friday. The blast occurred at a depth of around 4,000 feet, causing a fire and a collapse that trapped dozens of miners. Rescue operations are still underway to recover the remaining miners, with 41 workers initially reported to be in the mine when the incident took place.

Earlier reports had put the death toll at 15, with more than two dozen miners trapped. According to Dawn, Chief Inspector of Mines Muhammad Atif said 36 miners were present in two mines at the time of the explosion, with 21 still missing as of Thursday night. The Hans India reports that the majority of coal mine explosions in Balochistan are caused by methane gas accumulation. Labour organisations have voiced serious concern over the lack of safety measures in Pakistan's coal mines.