Balochistan Coal Mine Collapse: 4 Dead, 8 Missing After Methane Explosion

A deadly methane gas explosion led to the collapse of a coal mine in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, killing at least four miners and leaving eight others missing. Authorities are conducting a rescue operation to locate the missing workers. However, progress has been slow due to hazardous conditions within the mine.

Explosion Traps Workers in Sanjdi Area

The incident occurred on January 9 in the Sanjdi area, located around 40 kilometers from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan. The explosion was caused by the accumulation of methane gas inside the mine, which triggered the collapse and trapped 12 workers inside the wreckage.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the cause of the collapse, stating, “The incident occurred due to a buildup of gas, which caused an explosion and the mine to cave in.” Rescue teams have been working tirelessly for more than 24 hours, but toxic gas and debris have hindered their efforts, slowing progress.

Rescue Operations and Grim Outlook in Balochistan

As of Friday evening, rescue workers managed to recover the bodies of four miners. Abdullah Shawani, head of Balochistan’s mining department, acknowledged that the chances of finding the remaining eight miners alive were slim. He stated that the miners were buried nearly 1,500 feet under the collapsed mine. He explained that rescue teams buried the workers nearly 1,500 feet underground, and after 48 hours without rescue, their survival remains highly unlikely.

Authorities confirmed that a private operator runs the mine. Investigations are underway to determine if the explosion occurred due to a failure to follow mining regulations. Shahid Rind and Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Balochistan’s Minister for Mines and Finance, emphasized that they are making every effort to save the remaining miners.

Poor Safety Standards and Hazardous Working Conditions

The tragic incident highlights the dangerous working conditions in Balochistan’s coal mines, an area known for frequent mining accidents. Poor safety regulations and lack of enforcement have long been issues in the region. This incident follows a similar disaster in March 2024. A gas explosion at a coal mine in Harnai killed at least 12 miners. In May 2018, two neighboring mines collapsed in Sanjdi, claiming the lives of 23 miners. Another collapse in 2011 killed 43 workers.

Pir Muhammad Kakar, a leader of the mines workers association, blamed the lack of proper mining regulations for the frequent accidents. He demanded strict action against those responsible. He urged the government to take immediate steps to enforce safety protocols. This would help protect the lives of workers in the coal industry.