Pakistan Coal Mine Blast

A methane gas explosion at a coal mine in southwestern Pakistan has killed 34 miners. Authorities said on Friday that rescuers recovered 32 bodies from the mine near Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province and are working to retrieve the remaining two. The explosion occurred on Thursday. Balochistan’s minister for mines and minerals expressed condolences and announced compensation of about $1,800 for the family of each victim. He said authorities would investigate the cause and review safety measures. Deadly accidents are common in Pakistan’s coal mining industry, especially in Balochistan, where many mines lack basic safety measures.