A blast at a coal mine has killed at least 34 workers in southern Pakistan, the provincial disaster agency said, adding that rescuers were searching for more missing miners.
"According to information received from the deployed teams, 34x Dead bodies have been recovered," southern Balochistan's provincial disaster management authority said in a statement on Friday.
Deadly accidents are common in Pakistan's coal mining industry, particularly in Balochistan, where many mines lack adequate ventilation, gas monitoring systems and other basic safety measures.
Mine workers and labour groups have long accused mine owners of failing to enforce safety regulations or provide adequate protective equipment.
Despite the risks and low wages, thousands of miners depend on the coal industry for their livelihoods in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least developed province, where unemployment and poverty remain widespread.
