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Coal Mine Blast in Pakistan’s Balochistan Kills at Least 34, Dozens Trapped

July 31, 2026 • 11:16 UTC Akhtar Badana 4 min read Pakistan

QUETTA, Pakistan — July 31, 2026 — A methane gas explosion tore through a coal mine in southwestern Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Thursday, July 30, killing at least 34 miners and leaving dozens more trapped underground as rescue operations continued into Friday, authorities confirmed .

The blast occurred in the Sorange coalfield on the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital, during a shift change, damaging two adjacent mines and trapping more than 50 workers approximately 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) underground . The explosion triggered structural collapses that killed several workers instantly and left others trapped beneath burning debris .

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Rescue Operations Continue Amid Grim Conditions

Rescue teams have recovered 34 bodies and rescued 22 workers so far, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority . However, officials have warned that the chances of finding more survivors are diminishing.

“The chances of finding anyone alive diminish after methane gas explosions because oxygen levels drop to zero, and rescuers are also proceeding cautiously inside the mine,” said senior mining official Ghani Baloch .

Rescue workers are operating under extreme conditions at a depth of approximately 4,000 feet, with the lack of oxygen following the methane blast posing the greatest threat to those still trapped . Rescue teams, assisted by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and other emergency responders, continued their efforts to reach remaining miners, according to AP News .

Most of the workers were from Shangla district in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province .

Government Response and Compensation

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has requested a detailed report on the incident and warned of severe action if any negligence or wrongdoing is found . Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Shoaib Nosherwani pledged that the government would provide 500,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately $1,800) in compensation to the family of each miner killed and 300,000 rupees to each injured worker .

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and will review mining safety measures across Balochistan to help prevent similar tragedies .

Recurring Safety Crisis

Deadly accidents are common in Pakistan’s coal mining industry, particularly in Balochistan, where many mines lack adequate ventilation, gas monitoring systems, and other basic safety measures . In 2024, a methane gas explosion in the province killed 12 miners .

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Labor groups have long accused mine owners of failing to enforce safety regulations or provide adequate protective equipment, according to AP News and ThePrint . In a statement, the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation urged the government to strictly enforce safety regulations and take tough action against companies that violate mine safety laws .

Despite the risks and low wages, thousands of miners depend on the coal industry for their livelihoods in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least developed province, where unemployment and poverty remain widespread .

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