Rescue teams in southwestern Pakistan have recovered the bodies of 11 miners who died in a devastating methane gas explosion that caused a coal mine collapse in Singidi city, Balochistan province. The explosion occurred last Thursday, and recovery operations are ongoing to locate a 12th miner who is still missing.
Search for Missing Continues in Mine
Abdul Ghani, a mines inspector, confirmed that rescue workers have been tirelessly searching the wreckage for the missing miner since the disaster. The explosion is believed to have been triggered by an accumulation of methane gas within the mine. The danger of methane gas, which is highly flammable, is a significant risk factor in Pakistan’s coal mines.
Another Deadly Collapse in Harnai Mine
In a separate incident, two more coal miners tragically lost their lives on Sunday. Another mine collapsed in Harnai district, also located in Balochistan. The mining industry in Pakistan is notorious for poor safety standards, often resulting in fatal accidents. Despite frequent warnings from workers, mine owners regularly fail to implement crucial safety measures. These include essential systems like ventilation and protective equipment, which are vital to ensuring miner safety.
Unsafe Mining Conditions in Balochistan
The coal mining industry in Pakistan remains one of the most hazardous sectors, with thousands of miners exposed to dangerous working conditions. Reports of mine collapses, explosions, and other deadly incidents are common, with dozens of workers dying each year. Miners continue to voice concerns over the lack of safety precautions, but these issues remain largely unaddressed by authorities and mine owners.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts in Militants’ Kidnapping
In another distressing development, Pakistani security forces have rescued at least eight of 16 miners who were kidnapped by militants in the northwest. Efforts to free the remaining miners are still underway.
