Quetta, Pakistan – Recovery efforts are underway in southern Pakistan after a coal mine explosion left two workers dead and eight more feared trapped underground. The incident occurred in the mining region of Khost, located 80 kilometers east of Quetta, when a gas explosion occurred, resulting in a collapse that trapped 10 individuals about 800 feet below the surface.
According to Ghani Baloch, the chief inspector of mines for Balochistan province, rescue teams worked tirelessly overnight to retrieve the bodies of two victims. However, the fate of the remaining workers remains uncertain, as authorities express concerns about their survival.
In a harrowing turn of events, a group of eight individuals who attempted to rescue their colleagues also found themselves trapped for a period of time. Fortunately, a government rescue team managed to bring them to safety, although some were unconscious upon extraction.
The cause of the explosion has been attributed to an accumulation of carbon monoxide gas, followed by a subsequent explosion that led to the mine’s collapse, as reported by Baloch. As rescue teams from various agencies continue their efforts at the site, the incident sheds light on the dangerous working conditions and inadequate safety standards often present in Pakistani mines.
Incidents of this nature serve as a grim reminder of the risks faced by workers in the mining industry and highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures and regulations to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring. The mining industry in Pakistan has long been plagued by unsafe practices, putting the lives of workers at constant risk.
As the rescue operation unfolds and the fate of the trapped miners remains uncertain, authorities emphasize the importance of prioritizing safety and ensuring that proper protocols are in place to protect the well-being of those working in hazardous environments like coal mines. The community waits anxiously for updates on the situation, hoping for a successful outcome amidst the ongoing rescue efforts.