The death toll from the methane gas explosion at the Sorange coal mine complex near Quetta has reportedly risen to 34, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), as rescue teams continue searching for miners believed to remain trapped underground.
PDMA officials said that 34 bodies have so far been recovered from the affected mine, where a powerful methane explosion triggered a collapse earlier this week. Rescue personnel, supported by local authorities and mine safety teams, continue recovery operations in difficult conditions inside the damaged tunnels.
According to the mine owner, a total of 42 labourers were underground when the explosion occurred. While dozens have now been accounted for, search efforts remain focused on locating the remaining missing workers. Authorities have not confirmed how many miners are still trapped, and rescue operations are ongoing.
The blast is believed to have been caused by an accumulation of methane gas inside the mine, a hazard commonly associated with underground coal mining. The explosion reportedly caused extensive structural damage, making access difficult for emergency responders and slowing recovery efforts.
The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over mine safety standards in Balochistan, where fatal accidents involving gas explosions and tunnel collapses have occurred repeatedly in recent years. Labour organisations and mining experts have long called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, improved ventilation systems and regular inspections to reduce the risk of such disasters.
Officials have cautioned that casualty figures remain provisional. Published death tolls continue to vary across news organisations, with Geo News citing PDMA’s figure of 34 fatalities, while the Associated Press has reported 32 deaths and Reuters has most recently confirmed at least 18. Authorities are expected to issue a consolidated official toll once rescue and recovery operations are completed.
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is expected after the operation concludes. Authorities will examine whether safety protocols were followed and determine if negligence contributed to one of Balochistan’s deadliest mining disasters in recent years.
