Qaseem Shah:
Quetta: A coal mine in Sanjdi, approximately 40 kilometers from Quetta, collapsed due to a buildup of gas, trapping at least 12 workers underground.
According to Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind, rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the site and have begun operations to retrieve the trapped workers. The presence of gas and debris has made rescue efforts challenging, but workers are doing everything possible to save lives.
Provincial Minister for Mines and Finance, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, has taken strong notice of the incident. He instructed Chief Inspector of Mines Abdul Ghani Baloch to deploy two additional rescue teams to the site and ordered an investigation into alleged violations of mining regulations.
“No mine owner will be considered above the law or human life,” said Mir Shoaib Nosherwani. “If violations are confirmed, strict legal action will be taken against the mine owner.” He directed rescue teams to expedite the operation using all available resources and emphasized ensuring safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
The minister also stressed the importance of equipping mines with modern safety facilities and pledged that the government will take all necessary steps to safeguard miners’ rights and lives. The government spokesperson assured that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible for negligence would face strict action.
Rescue operations at the affected mine are ongoing, with authorities striving to bring the trapped workers to safety.
