A methane gas explosion at a coal mine in southwestern Pakistan has killed 34 miners. Authorities said on Friday that rescuers recovered 32 bodies from the mine near Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province and are working to retrieve the remaining two.

The process of removing debris and installing exhaust systems to reach the trapped miners is underway, mines and minerals minister says.

"It is premature to comment on any casualties or property damage," the mines inspector says.