QUETTA: A deadly coal mine explosion in Quetta has claimed the lives of 34 miners, turning a routine workday into a tragic disaster.
Rescue teams are still working in difficult conditions to reach other workers trapped inside the Sorange mine, where a gas explosion caused the collapse on Thursday.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), 42 workers were inside the mine when the explosion occurred. So far, 34 bodies have been recovered, while the fate of the remaining miners remains unknown.
Rescue operations are continuing as teams face challenging conditions while attempting to locate and recover the trapped workers.
Balochistan Minister for Mines and Minerals Shoaib Noshirwani said rescue teams were using all available resources despite the difficult environment inside the mine.
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He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased miners and announced financial assistance for the affected families. The families of each deceased worker will receive Rs500,000, while injured workers will be provided Rs300,000.
Noshirwani said a detailed investigation would be carried out to determine the causes of the accident.
The mine owner had earlier told media that the explosion was caused by methane gas. All workers trapped in the mine belonged to Shangla district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has directed the Mines and Minerals Department to submit an immediate report on the incident.
The chief minister ordered a transparent inquiry to identify the causes of the explosion and determine whether any negligence contributed to the tragedy. He said strict legal action would be taken against those found responsible.
Bugti also instructed authorities to ensure strict implementation of safety regulations in all coal mines across the province.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over safety conditions in coal mines and the protection of workers involved in hazardous industries.
The ongoing investigation is expected to determine the circumstances that led to the explosion and identify measures needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
