A powerful explosion has occurred in Baluchistan, neighboring country of Pakistan. Due to which the coal mine collapsed. In which at least 12 people died. Eight people were rescued safely. The entire incident took place in Hardala area of Harnai district. At the time of the accident, 20 laborers were working inside the mine.
Eight workers were rescued
Balochistan's Chief Mines Inspector Abdul Ghani Baloch was quoted as saying that 20 workers were present in the mine when the methane gas explosion occurred last night. He said that the rescue work has been completed. The team found 12 bodies inside the mine, while eight injured people were taken to hospital.
Death toll confirmed
Baloch said two bodies were recovered during the night, while 10 bodies were recovered on Wednesday morning. Director General of Mining Abdullah Shahwani also confirmed the death toll. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehwaz Sharif expressed grief over the incident and consoled those who lost their family members. The PM also announced to provide all possible help to the injured. Also said that such accidents are very sad.
Balochistan province contributes 50 percent of Pakistan's coal production. However, mine accidents due to gas production are common in Pakistan. Workers complain that lack of safety gear and poor working conditions are the main reasons for frequent accidents.
Incidents have happened before
In December last year, two workers lost their lives and three others were injured in a fire at a private mine in Balochistan's Duki coalfield. At the same time, in September, three laborers were buried under the debris due to the collapse of a coal mine in Jamshoro, Sindh. In the year 2022, six miners died in a gas explosion in a coal mine in Harnai district.