QUETTA: A gas explosion killed eight Pakistani coal mine workers in the country’s remote southwest yesterday, an official said.
The accident happened in Loralai district, nearly 600km southwest of Islamabad in the insurgency-torn province of Balochistan.
The province is rich in gas, oil and mineral deposits.
“The blast was caused by methane gas. Eight workers died on the spot while two were taken to hospital after being rescued,” said Mohammad Iftikhar, provincial chief inspector of mines.
He said that the accident happened when 200 miners were working more than 600 metres underground.
Pakistani mines are notorious for poor safety standards and ventilation.
At least 43 workers were killed in March 2011 when explosions triggered a collapse in a coal mine in Balochistan.
AFP
