Balochistan coal mine accident kills eight: Official

The blast took place due to methane gas.


Afp January 28, 2013
The blast took place due to methane gas. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

QUETTA: A gas explosion killed eight coal mine workers in the Loralai district, Balochistan on Monday, an official said.

The district is nearly 600 kilometres southwest of Islamabad.

"The blast took place due to methane gas. Eight workers died on the spot while two others were taken to hospital after being rescued," said Mohammad Iftikhar, provincial chief inspector of mines.

He told AFP that the accident happened when 200 miners were working more than 600 metres underground.

Mines in Pakistan 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 the province.

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