Quetta: The bodies of three miners were recovered on Friday during a challenging rescue operation near a coal mine in the Sanjdi area, 40 kilometers southeast of Quetta, after an explosion trapped 12 workers inside the mine on Thursday.
Chief Inspector of Mines Balochistan, Abdul Ghani Baloch, confirmed the recovery while stating that nine other miners remain trapped underground. A joint rescue operation led by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the Mines Department is ongoing, with heavy machinery being employed to clear debris and restore access.
“The mine’s passage was completely blocked due to the explosion, but it has been partially restored after hours of labor-intensive work,” Baloch said. However, he expressed grave concerns, indicating that the chances of survival for the trapped miners “are very low.”
The explosion was caused by the accumulation of methane gas, a recurring hazard in Balochistan’s coal mines. Rescuers face significant challenges, with power cables inside the mine being severed and gas levels rendering the environment extremely dangerous. Efforts are underway to re-lay the cables and create alternative access routes to release the trapped gas.
Deputy Director of Rescue, Asghar Ali Jamali, noted that the miners are trapped at a depth of approximately 4,200 feet. Two rescue workers fainted during the operation due to toxic gas exposure, underscoring the perils of the mission.
Labour Federation President Lala Sultan emphasized the urgency of the rescue operation, warning that further delays could pose serious risks to the miners’ lives.
Coal mining accidents are alarmingly frequent in Balochistan, where safety protocols are often disregarded, and miners work under hazardous conditions. Chief Inspector Baloch reported that 82 miners lost their lives in 46 incidents last year alone.
A similar tragedy struck in June 2023 when 11 individuals, including nine miners, died from methane gas inhalation in the Sanjdi area. Reports, including one from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, highlight the lack of regular inspections and enforcement of health and safety standards in coal mines across the province.
The rescue operation continues as families and communities await news of the trapped miners, hoping for a miracle amid grim circumstances.
