Quetta, Pakistan: A tragic incident unfolded in the Zardalo area of Balochistan’s Harnai district as twelve miners lost their lives in a coal mine explosion. The devastating incident, caused by a methane gas leak, occurred on Wednesday, leaving six miners fortunate enough to be rescued. Efforts to save all trapped miners were made, but sadly, only a few could be pulled out alive. The Chief Inspector of Mines in Balochistan, Abdul Ghani Baloch, reported that the explosion was a result of methane gas accumulation in the mine overnight.
Abdullah Shahwani, the province’s Director General of Mining, verified the death toll from the cave-in at a mine located 80 kilometers east of Quetta. Tragically, mining accidents resulting in deaths are not uncommon in the mineral-rich Balochistan province, where the lack of regulations in mining operations contributes to hazardous working conditions. Shahwani highlighted the pressing issue of safety measures being inadequate in these unregulated mines, leading to frequent tragedies like the recent mining mishap.
The rescue operation was a joint effort between the government mining department and the disaster management agency, with all 12 bodies recovered and transported to a hospital. The rescued miners were found unconscious, prompting swift action to address their medical needs. The mining industry in Balochistan faces ongoing challenges due to poor working conditions and a lack of safety protocols. Tragic incidents like this serve as poignant reminders of the risks faced by miners in the region, calling for stricter regulations and enhanced safety measures to prevent future disasters.
In response to the recent coal mine explosion, authorities are reiterating the importance of enforcing safety standards in mining operations to protect the lives of workers. The incident serves as a somber wake-up call for the mining industry and regulatory bodies to prioritize the well-being of miners by implementing stringent safety measures. As investigations continue into the root cause of the explosion, the mining sector in Balochistan is under renewed scrutiny to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.