9 Killed in Northwestern Pakistan Coal Mine Explosion

At least nine people were killed in a gas explosion at a coal mine in northwestern Pakistan. The explosion on Wednesday in the Orakzai district is believed to have been caused by gas sparks, according to a preliminary investigation. Thirteen workers were in the mine at the time of the explosion; four other workers sustained critical injuries in the blast.

The blast caused the collapse of the mine, and a gas buildup triggered the explosion, Reuters reported, citing a government report. Mine accidents caused by gas buildups are common in Pakistani coal mines, according to the report.