QUETTA: A gas explosion in a private coal mine in the Spin Karez area of Sorange has caused the mine to collapse, leaving 20 workers trapped inside while two bodies have been recovered .

According to the Mines Department, 25 workers were inside the mine at the time of the explosion. Three workers were safely evacuated in the initial rescue operation . Labour leader Pir Muhammad Kakar has appealed to the government to utilize all available resources to rescue the trapped workers .

Rescue officials reported that toxic gases and debris inside the mine are complicating rescue efforts . Rescue teams, district administration, and Mines Department officials are present at the scene, with efforts underway to ventilate the mine and clear debris .

Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Mir Shoaib Nosherwani stated that Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has directed the Chief Inspector of Mines and senior PDMA officials to reach the site and supervise the operation . He said all available machinery, personnel, and emergency resources have been placed at the disposal of rescue teams .

It is noteworthy that accidents frequently occur in Balochistan's coal mines due to non-compliance with safety measures . The minister said safety arrangements in Balochistan's mining sector would be strengthened to prevent such incidents in the future .