Twelve miners lost their lives and eight were rescued following an explosion in a coal mine located in the Zardalo area of Balochistan’s Harnai district, as per officials on Wednesday.
Initially, it was reported that 18 miners were trapped due to a significant portion of the mine collapsing following a powerful explosion. The chief inspector of mines directorate had informed about the commencement of a rescue operation.
Balochistan’s chief inspector of mines, Abdul Ghani Baloch, stated that the rescue operation had concluded, revealing that 20 miners were inside the mine when a methane gas explosion occurred overnight. Of these, 12 bodies were recovered, while the survivors received medical attention.
Abdul Ghani Baloch also confirmed the death toll, along with Abdullah Shahwani, the province’s director general of mining.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and directed authorities to ensure all necessary medical treatment for the injured miners. He pledged full support to the affected families.
This unfortunate event adds to a series of past mine accidents in Balochistan, where coal deposits are prevalent. Safety concerns, lack of safety equipment, and poor working conditions have been highlighted as major factors contributing to such incidents.
