Mir Salam Jogezai:
QUETTA: A somber pall hangs over the coal-mining community of Dukki, Balochistan, following the tragic deaths of three miners on Friday. The miners succumbed to methane gas poisoning while working inside a local coal mine.
Build up Of Methane Gas Was The Reason
Details surrounding the incident remain under investigation, but initial reports suggest a build-up of methane gas, a colorless and odorless natural gas commonly found in coal mines, led to the fatal accident. Rescue operations were hampered by the hazardous conditions within the mine, and it took several hours to retrieve the miners’ bodies.
Friends And Family Members Mourning
The news of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the close-knit mining community of Dukki. Family members and friends are mourning the loss of their loved ones, while expressing concerns about the safety of working conditions in local mines.
This is a devastating loss for our community,” said a local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity. “These men were not just miners; they were husbands, fathers, and sons. Their families are struggling to cope with this tragedy.”
Hazardous Working Conditions
The incident has also reignited calls for stricter safety regulations and improved working conditions in Balochistan’s coal mines. The province has a long history of mining accidents, often attributed to outdated equipment, inadequate ventilation, and a lack of proper safety training.
“The safety of our miners must be a top priority,” said a local activist. “The government needs to take immediate steps to ensure that such tragedies never happen again.”
An investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway, and the provincial government has promised to provide support to the families of the deceased miners.