Bleak Outlook for 31 Men Trapped in Pakistan Mine

21 killed in yesterday's explosion
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 21, 2011 3:10 AM CDT
Updated Mar 21, 2011 3:35 AM CDT
21 Dead in Pakistan Mine Explosion
Pakistanis gather outside a coal mine after a explosion yesterday. A methane gas explosion here has killed 21 people, with officials saying 31 more are in great danger.   (AP Photo/Arshad Butt)

A mine explosion in Pakistan killed 21 people yesterday, and officials say there is little hope that any of the remaining 31 men trapped inside will make it out alive, reports AP. Making the situation worse is a poisonous methane leak, which officials say has been preventing rescue workers from trying to save the survivors. "We are trying our best to rescue as many workers as we can, but the chance of finding survivors is bleak now," said one mine inspector.

The government-owned mine was actually declared dangerous two weeks ago, but no one took any action. Most of the dead found so far were suffocated by the dangerous gas. The mine, located in a distant part of southwestern Pakistan, was poorly ventilated, and the build-up of gas caused three explosions yesterday. (More mine accident stories.)

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