At least 34 miners were killed in a methane gas explosion at a coal mine near Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, authorities reported Thursday. Rescue teams had recovered 32 bodies and were still searching for two more as efforts continued at the site.

The explosion occurred inside the mine on Thursday, trapping workers underground. Initial reports from mine inspector Ghani Baloch indicated that as many as 42 miners were working inside at the time of the blast, suggesting some may have escaped or been rescued.

Incidents like this are unfortunately common in Pakistan’s coal mining sector, especially in Balochistan, where many mines operate without sufficient safety precautions. Deficiencies such as inadequate ventilation and the absence of gas-monitoring systems contribute to heightened risks of deadly accidents.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority is overseeing rescue operations while investigations continue into the circumstances leading to the methane explosion. The disaster once again highlighted the urgent need for improved safety standards in the region’s mining industry.