24 Afghans Die in Coal Mine Collapse

In northern part of the country

A tunnel collapsed in a coal mine in Afghanistan's north, killing at least 24 workers and leaving three others missing, officials said Sunday. Some 14 area residents trying to aid in the rescue were overcome by fumes and had to get treatment.

Workplace safety standards are poor in Afghanistan as in many developing nations, and such accidents are common. But concern about such standards is likely to grow in the coming years as the government tries to develop a wealth of mineral resources in the country — a challenging goal as it battles a Taliban insurgency.