Coal mine explosion kills 34 miners in southwestern Pakistan

An explosion in a coal mine southwestern Pakistan has killed 34 miners, according to Pakistani authorities.

Thursday's deadly explosion, which likely occurred due to a build-up of methane gas, took place in a mine near Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's Balochistan province. Around 40 miners were on site at the time of the blast.

Balochistan's senior government mining official Ghani Baloch said that rescue operations would continue until all miners were found, but added that "the chances of finding anyone alive diminish" due to methane explosions rapidly consuming oxygen.

Rescue efforts were taking place at a depth of 4,000 feet (1,219 meters), the chief inspector of mines said.

Expressing his condolences for the victims, Balochistan's Minister for Mines and Minerals Shoaib Nosherwani said there would be compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees (roughly $1,800, €1,570) for each victim's family. He promised an investigation into the cause of the explosion, as well as a safety review of coal mines across Balochistan.

Deadly accidents are common in Pakistan's coal mining industry, and especially so in Balochistan. In 2024, a methane gas coal mine explosion killed 12 in the province.

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest, but poorest province. It is rich in raw materials — such as coal, gold and copper — but its mines are often hazardous, lacking proper ventilation, systems for gas-monitoring and other safety measures.

Despite the risk, thousands continue to work in the mines, driven by high unemployment and a lack of other opportunities in Balochistan.

Labor associations have repeatedly called for improved safety standards and stricter enforcement in the mining sector.