Balochistan’s Harnai district witnesses heartbreaking loss as a methane gas explosion claims lives
Zardalo, Balochistan – In a devastating incident, twelve miners lost their lives while eight were rescued following a powerful explosion in a coal mine located in the Zardalo area of Balochistan’s Harnai district. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, shaking the local mining community and sparking a massive rescue operation.
Initially reported as 18 miners trapped due to a cave-in caused by the explosion, officials soon clarified that 20 miners were inside the mine at the time of the blast. Abdul Ghani Baloch, Balochistan’s chief inspector of mines, confirmed that a methane gas explosion occurred overnight, leading to the tragic loss of lives. “The rescue operation has been just completed,” he stated, revealing that rescue teams were able to recover 12 bodies while the survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
Contrary to initial reports, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced on social media platform X that the number of rescued miners was six, highlighting the confusion and chaos amidst the rescue efforts. Abdullah Shahwani, the province’s director-general of mining, also confirmed the death toll, underlining the grim reality of the situation.
Rescue workers from various government agencies, including the mining department and the disaster management authority, worked tirelessly through the night to reach the trapped miners. In a twist of fate, a group of eight individuals attempting to rescue their colleagues also became trapped, adding to the complexity of the rescue mission. Fortunately, they were eventually brought to safety by a government rescue team, though some were found unconscious.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic loss of lives, directing authorities to ensure all possible medical treatment for the injured miners. Chief Minister Bugti highlighted the risks associated with unregulated mining in Balochistan, vowing to introduce policies to safeguard miners in the future.
The news of this tragedy resonated across the nation, with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah extending their condolences to the bereaved families. As the community mourns the loss of these miners, prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and support for the affected families continue to pour in.
In the wake of this devastating incident, questions about safety regulations and the welfare of miners in Balochistan loom large, urging authorities to take immediate action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
For now, the mining community and the nation at large stand in solidarity with those affected by this heart-wrenching event, hoping for strength and resilience in the face of immense loss.
