Abstract: This paper presents a numerical model for the damage mechanism of local failure in coal seams during outbursts. The theoretical basis for this modeling is the damage mechanics combined with the theory of methane gas migration in coal seams in terms of localization approach. The interaction of gas folw,methane desorption,coal deformation and development and propagation of damage in coal seams have been taken into account. This model has been incorporated into the finite element analysis.The mechanism of coal/gas outbursts based on the present localization model has been illustrated through numerical results.