Coal mine explosion in Balochistan leaves 18 dead, government pledges compensation

QUETTA: At least 18 miners were killed after a gas explosion ripped through a coal mine in the Sorange area of Balochistan, while rescue teams continued efforts on Friday to locate any remaining workers trapped underground.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the bodies of 18 miners have so far been recovered from the mine. Rescue operations are still underway as emergency teams search for other workers believed to be inside the collapsed mine.

Balochistan Minister for Mines and Minerals Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said rescue personnel were working under extremely difficult conditions, using all available resources to reach those trapped.

“The Balochistan government is monitoring the rescue operation on a moment-by-moment basis, and no effort will be spared in the ongoing relief activities,” he said.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, Nosherwani said the provincial government stood with those affected by the tragedy. He added that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the incident, while safety protocols across the mining sector would be reviewed to help prevent similar accidents in the future.

The minister also announced financial assistance for the victims’ families, saying the government would provide Rs500,000 to the family of each miner killed in the explosion, while each injured worker would receive Rs300,000 in compensation.