Local time on the 31st, Pakistan's disaster management authority reported the disaster situation, stating that a coal mine in the southwestern Balochistan province of the country experienced an explosion accident on the 30th. According to preliminary statistics, the accident has caused at least 34 miners to lose their lives, and 8 miners remain trapped deep in the mine, their fate unknown.

According to local mining inspection officials, the accident-stricken coal mine is located in the suburbs of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province. Based on preliminary on-site assessment, the explosion was triggered by a massive accumulation of methane gas inside the mine, which detonated after reaching a critical concentration. Gas explosions easily cause the collapse of underground roadways and the destruction of ventilation systems, further increasing the difficulty of rescue operations.

Search and rescue continues, death toll may rise

After the accident occurred, local rescue teams rushed to the scene to carry out search and rescue operations. Constrained by multiple adverse conditions such as underground collapses, the spread of toxic gases, and poor visibility, rescue work is progressing with difficulty. Relevant departments have warned that as the search and rescue deepens, the final death toll is expected to rise further.

Balochistan province is rich in mineral resources, but for a long time, local small and medium-sized coal mines have had outdated safety facilities and imperfect ventilation systems. There are shortcomings in production safety support such as gas monitoring and underground refuge, and accidents like gas leaks and collapses occur frequently, posing prominent safety risks to miners.

From:ChemNet