Sunday, March 20, 2011

Pakistan Mine Explosion Kills At Least 5, Traps Many Others

Mining officials in Pakistan say a methane gas explosion in a coal mine in southwestern Pakistan has killed at least five miners and trapped dozens more.

Various reports put the death toll at five or six, and the number feared stuck underground at between 30 and 46.

Rescue workers were trying to reach the trapped miners, but methane gas was hampering their efforts.

The mine, located in Baluchistan province, was declared dangerous two weeks ago. But mining inspector Iftikhar Ahmed says the warning was ignored.

The mine is owned by the state-run Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation but is reportedly leased to a private contractor.

The mine is located about 40 kilometers east of the provincial capital, Quetta.

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