India, July 31 -- At least 15 miners were killed and over a dozen remained trapped following a methane gas explosion in a coalfield near Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, an official said on Friday.

The incident occurred on Thursday in the Sorange coalfield when a methane gas explosion struck a coal mine during a shift change, also damaging a neighbouring mine and trapping 36 workers.

About 4,000 feet underground, miners were caught in the explosion and the subsequent fire. The blast triggered structural collapses, killing several workers instantly and leaving others trapped beneath the burning debris.

Chief Inspector of Mines Muhammad Atif on Friday said, "Rescue teams have recovered 15 bodies and rescued 16 of the trappe...