Ambulances are seen at the coal mine site after an explosion on the outskirts of Quetta, Pakistan, July 31, 2026. (Photo: Str/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-four workers trapped in a coal mine explosion in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province were presumed dead, rescue officials said on Friday.

The explosion occurred at around 4 p.m. local time on Thursday inside a coal mine on the outskirts of the provincial capital of Quetta, where the miners were working at the time of the incident.

Officials said 32 bodies have been recovered from the mine, while two others remain trapped in a highly complex and inaccessible section. Authorities said the 34 workers are presumed dead.

Ambulances arrive at the coal mine site following an explosion on the outskirts of Quetta, Pakistan, on July 31, 2026. (Photo: Str/Xinhua)

Ambulances are seen at the coal mine site following an explosion on the outskirts of Quetta, Pakistan, on July 31, 2026. (Photo: Str/Xinhua)

People gather at the coal mine site following an explosion on the outskirts of Quetta, Pakistan, on July 31, 2026. (Photo: Str/Xinhua)

People are seen at the coal mine site after an explosion on the outskirts of Quetta, Pakistan, July 31, 2026. (Photo: Str/Xinhua)

People gather at the entrance of the coal mine site after an explosion on the outskirts of Quetta, Pakistan, July 31, 2026. (Photo: Str/Xinhua)