File Photo: Rescue operation underway in Balochistan's Harnai district for fourth consecutive day: Photo provided by Hanif Tareen

Syed Ali Shah:

QUETTA: Six coal miners were trapped in a mine in Balochistan’s Harnai district on Saturday morning. Levies sources said the coal miners were trapped in a coal mine in the Shah Rag area of the Harnai district. Rescue operation is underway to ensure the unhurt recovery of the trapped miners.

Abdul Ghani, the Chief Inspector of Mines said four coal miners died inside the mine and two dead bodies were retrieved. “Rescue operation is underway to recover the remaining trapped miners”, Mr. Ghani stated.

Luni orders registration of FIR against responsible people

Saidal Khan Luni, Secretary Mines and Mineral Department ordered the registration of the first information report (FIR) against the responsible persons. In a statement issued after the incident, Mr. Luni said those responsible for the negligence would be brought to justice.

All trapped coal miners belong to the Shangla area of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Levies sources informed. The incident happened in the contractor Haji Dilawar Khan mine. Commissioner Sibi Division, Shahid Saleem directed the levies and other senior administration to ensure their presence and ensure the unhurt recovery of the trapped miners. The Commissioner also directed doctors to be present outside the mine to make sure timely medical treatment to the trapped miners.

Bizenjo directs for unhurt recovery of miners

Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Quddus Bizenjo and Chief Secretary Balochistan, Abdul Aziz Uqaili have taken notice of the incident and directed the mines and mineral department to step up efforts to make sure the unhurt recovery of the trapped miners. “Investigate the cause of the incident”, the CM was quoted in an official handout issued here on Saturday.

Hazardous working conditions inside the coal mines of Balochistan have claimed thousands of precious human lives. Despite repeated demands, the government and mine owners are yet to improve working conditions for coal miners.

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Quetta Voice is an English Daily covering all unfolding political, economic and social issues relating to Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province in terms of area. QV's main focus is on stories related to education, promotion of quality education and publishing reports about out of school children in the province. QV has also a vigilant eye on health, climate change and other key sectors.