11 Miners Killed in Methane Explosion in Pakistan

Officials said on Monday that rescuers had recovered the bodies of 11 coal miners who died in the aftermath of a methane gas explosion that triggered a mine collapse in southwestern Pakistan last week.

The mines inspector, Abdul Ghani, said a 12th worker remained missing after the mine in Singidi city in Balochistan province collapsed on Thursday.

Two coal miners were killed in another mine cave-in on Sunday in a district of Balochistan, the minister said.

Pakistan’s coal mining industry often ignores safety protocols, resulting in frequent accidents and explosions that kill or maim hundreds of miners every year. Workers have long complained of inadequate safety equipment or its provision by international mine owners.

Meanwhile, security forces last week rescued at least eight of 16 miners abducted by local militants in the restive northwest. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining workers.