News Desk
QUETTA: A deadly coal mine explosion triggered by methane gas rocked the Surrange coal field near Quetta on Thursday, trapping more than 25 miners underground. Rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of two miners and rescued three workers alive, while efforts continue to reach those still trapped beneath the collapsed mine.
According to rescue officials and the Inspectorate of Mines, the explosion occurred at the Sardar Usman Lease in the coal-rich Surrange area when a buildup of methane gas ignited deep inside the mine. The powerful blast caused a major collapse, blocking exit routes and leaving dozens of miners trapped underground.
A large-scale rescue operation was launched immediately, involving teams from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Mines Rescue Department, and local district administration. Three miners have been pulled out alive and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the bodies of two deceased workers have been recovered from the site.
Rescue officials said operations are currently focused on clearing debris and restoring ventilation inside the mine. High-powered exhaust systems are being used to remove toxic gas pockets, allowing rescue personnel to safely access deeper sections of the collapsed mine where the remaining miners are believed to be trapped.
Balochistan Mines and Minerals Minister Mir Shohaib Nosherwani said the rescue mission is being carried out under the direct instructions of Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti.
“The Chief Inspector of Mines, PDMA officials, and senior district authorities are present at the site to supervise the operation. The provincial government is utilizing all available resources to rescue the trapped miners. Every possible support will be provided to the affected families, and strict implementation of mine safety regulations will be ensured,” the minister said.
The Surrange coal mine explosion has once again raised serious concerns over coal mine safety in Balochistan, where gas explosions and mine collapses frequently occur in mining regions including Surrange, Mach, and Dukki. Experts and labour representatives have repeatedly highlighted inadequate ventilation systems, insufficient safety equipment, and the absence of modern gas detection technology in many privately operated coal mines.
Labour unions and civil society organizations have called for a transparent investigation into the incident, urging authorities to hold those responsible accountable and strengthen safety standards across Balochistan’s coal mining industry to prevent future tragedies.
