Quetta, Pakistan: In a tragic incident, two individuals have been confirmed dead after a coal mine explosion in the southern region of Pakistan, with fears of eight more victims still trapped underground. The explosion, caused by a gas build-up, occurred in a private coal pit located in the mining area of Khost, approximately 50 miles east of Quetta.
Rescue operations have been underway since the incident, with the recovery of two bodies reported by the rescue teams. Chief Inspector of Mines for Balochistan province, Ghani Baloch, expressed concerns about the remaining workers’ safety, stating that efforts are being made to locate and rescue them from the collapsed mine.
Following the explosion, a group of eight individuals who attempted to assist their trapped colleagues also found themselves in need of rescue. Fortunately, a government rescue team was able to safely bring them back to the surface, although some were found unconscious.
The cause of the explosion has been attributed to an accumulation of carbon monoxide gas, leading to the mine’s collapse. Baloch emphasized the dangerous working conditions in Pakistani mines, highlighting the poor safety standards that persist in the industry.
Incidents like these serve as stark reminders of the risks faced by miners in Pakistan, shedding light on the urgent need for improved safety measures and regulations to prevent future tragedies. The presence of rescue teams from both the government’s mining department and the disaster management agency underscores the collaborative effort to address emergencies in the mining sector.
As the rescue operation continues at the site of the coal mine explosion, the community remains hopeful for the safe recovery of all individuals still trapped underground. Such incidents emphasize the importance of prioritizing worker safety and implementing stringent measures to safeguard the well-being of those employed in the mining industry.