Methane blast kills 34 miners in Pakistan coal mine, two still missing

The explosion

On Thursday, a methane gas buildup caused an explosion at a coal mine in Sorange, about 30 to 50 kilometers northeast of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province. The blast brought down parts of the mine and damaged two adjacent shafts, trapping workers at a depth of around 1,200 meters. Estimates of how many miners were underground at the time vary: officials initially said 42, while later reports put the number between 36 and 40. By Friday morning, rescuers had recovered 34 bodies.

Rescue efforts

Rescue teams needed nearly 20 hours to reach the victims, a rescue services spokesperson said. Heavy machinery was brought in to clear debris as crews worked through the night. The chief inspector of mines, Muhammad Atif, said operations were taking place at 4,000 feet (1,219 meters). Ghani Baloch, a senior mining official, said the search would continue but warned that the chances of survival were low.

The chances of finding anyone alive diminish.

Rescue coordinator Khair Jan said two miners remained unaccounted for as of Friday.

There were about 36 miners working in the mine when the explosion occurred; so far 34 bodies have been recovered, while rescue efforts continue to recover the remaining two.

Miner Ahmed Zada, who was at the site when the explosion occurred, told AFP that fellow miners rushed in to help after the blast and also lost their lives. Relatives gathered at the mine entrance as workers helped carry out bodies.

Official response

Balochistan's Minister for Mines and Minerals, Shoaib Nosherwani, expressed condolences and announced compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees (about $1,800, or €1,570) for each victim's family. He said authorities would investigate the cause of the explosion and review safety measures at coal mines across the province.

A pattern of deadly accidents

Fatal mining accidents are frequent in Balochistan, where many mines lack adequate ventilation, gas-monitoring systems, and other basic safety measures. Most mines in the region are privately managed, and past investigations have consistently pointed to deficient safety equipment and insufficient government oversight. In March 2024, a methane explosion killed 12 miners in Harnai. Another blast in Sanjdi claimed 11 lives in June 2024. In January 2025, 12 miners died after a methane explosion near Quetta, following a six-day rescue operation.

Labor associations have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of safety standards, citing lax oversight and poor equipment.

Poverty and reliance on mining

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest province but also its poorest, lagging behind the rest of the country in education, employment, and economic development. Despite the dangers and low wages, thousands of workers depend on coal mining for their livelihoods. The province is rich in natural resources, including coal, gold, and copper, but safety conditions remain hazardous.