Seven workers killed in Quetta coalmine blast

Incident took place due to gas leakage which also injured four others, says Coal and Mine Federation official

QUETTA: At least seven workers were killed in a coalmine blast in Balochistan's provincial capital Quetta on Friday.

General Secretary of Pakistan Mines and Labour Federation Sultan Khan said that the incident took place due to the gas leakage in the mine.

Four miners were also injured in the explosion.

Sultan also said the miners were compelled to work on their off day.

Pakistan has a long history of coalmine accidents, mainly because of poor infrastructure and a lack of safety standards.

In May last year, 23 miners were killed in two coalmine blasts near Quetta.

The annual death toll from coalmine accidents averages around 200, according to the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation.

More to follow...