At least 34 miners killed in methane explosion at coal mine near Quetta, Pakistan

A methane gas explosion at the Sorange coal mine near Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, on Thursday killed at least 34 miners. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed the deaths by Friday, with rescue operations continuing to recover additional bodies from a depth of approximately 4,000 feet. The explosion, caused by a methane buildup, also damaged a ventilation passage, complicating rescue efforts. Muhammad Atif, chief inspector of mines, noted, “We hope to find some miners alive, although the chances are slim.” Balochistan’s Minister for Minerals and Mining Development, Shoaib Nosherwani, announced financial assistance for the victims' families. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about outdated mining methods and weak government oversight in the mineral-rich province, which contribute to frequent accidents.