A gas explosion at a private coal mine in the Sorange area of Quetta, Balochistan's provincial capital, has trapped more than 20 miners, officials say, as rescue operations continue.

Labour leader Pir Muhammad Kakar told Dawn that around 25 workers were inside the mine, operated by Sardar Usman Coal Company, when the explosion occurred. "Three miners were rescued after the explosion. Around 22 workers remain trapped inside," Kakar said, appealing for all available resources to be mobilised immediately.

Chief Mines Inspector Ghani Baloch confirmed rescue teams and Mines Department staff were dispatched to the site as soon as news of the incident came in, though he said it was too early to comment on casualties or damage. Rescue 1122 Operations Director Riaz Raisani said his teams moved immediately as well, but that the mine's distance from Quetta city and the difficult terrain has slowed their approach.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), rescue teams were dispatched after police first reported the incident, with four ambulances sent on the instructions of PDMA Director General Jehanzeb Khan.

The blast is the latest in a string of mining accidents in the province this year. In June, three people were injured when explosive material used in mining detonated accidentally in the Khanuzai area. In April, at least five coal miners were killed in two separate accidents in the Bolan and Duki coalfields.

This is a developing story. Balochistan Dispatch will update as rescue efforts continue.

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