An explosion at a coal mine near Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s southwestern province of Baluchistan, has killed at least 11 miners and left 31 others trapped underground, officials reported Thursday. The blast is believed to have been caused by a buildup of methane gas, according to Ghani Baloch, a government mine inspector.

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of seven miners in the initial hours following the explosion, with four more bodies found later. Efforts to reach the miners still trapped underground are ongoing, but officials have expressed concern that the death toll may rise. Baloch noted that methane explosions can reduce oxygen levels to zero, making survival inside the mine unlikely and complicating rescue efforts.

Baluchistan’s Minister for Mines and Minerals, Shoaib Nosherwani, acknowledged the extremely challenging conditions faced by rescue workers and pledged full support from the provincial government. Nosherwani offered condolences to the families of the victims and stated that compensation of approximately 500,000 Pakistani rupees (about $1,800) would be provided to each family of those killed. He also promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and a review of mine safety procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The incident has drawn attention to the longstanding safety issues within Pakistan’s coal mining sector, particularly in Baluchistan, where many mines operate without adequate ventilation, gas monitoring, or sufficient safety measures. Labor unions have criticized mine operators for neglecting safety regulations and failing to provide proper protective equipment. The Pakistan Central Mines Labor Federation called for stricter enforcement of safety standards and urged authorities to hold responsible parties accountable.

Coal mining is a hazardous industry in Pakistan, with fatal accidents occurring frequently, especially in regions like Baluchistan, which remains Pakistan’s largest and least developed province. Despite the risks, the industry remains a vital source of employment for thousands of miners in an area plagued by poverty and high unemployment.