Ghani Baloch reports at least 32 miners killed in a methane gas explosion at a coal mine in southwest Pakistan.
Ghani Baloch, the Chief Inspector of Mines, confirmed that a powerful methane gas explosion occurred at the Sardar Usman Lease coal mine in Balochistan, Pakistan. The blast killed at least 32 miners and left 10 others trapped underground in life-threatening conditions. Rescue teams from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and the Balochistan Mine Rescue Department are working to locate the remaining workers, though Ghani Baloch noted that oxygen levels have dropped significantly, making the search more difficult. Shoaib Nosherwani, the Minister for Mines and Minerals, announced that the provincial government will provide compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees to the families of each miner killed. He also stated that a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion will be conducted to review mining safety measures. Labor unions have expressed concern over the incident, citing suspected negligence and calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations. This is the third fatal coal mine incident in Balochistan this year, highlighting persistent safety concerns in the region's mining sector.