Several workers feared trapped after explosion in private coal mine near Quetta: officials

QUETTA: An explosion in a private coal mine in the Sorange area of Balochistan’s provincial capital on Thursday trapped several miners, said an official.

Labour leader Pir Muhammad Kakar told Dawn that around 25 workers were inside the mine at the time of the explosion.

“Three miners were rescued after the explosion. Around 22 workers remain trapped inside the mine,” Kakar said.

“All available resources should be mobilised immediately to rescue the trapped workers,” he appealed to the authorities.

Speaking to Dawn, Chief Mines Inspector Ghani Baloch said that the incident occurred at the Sardar Usman Coal Company.

“Rescue teams, along with teams from the Mines Department, were dispatched to the site immediately after receiving information about the incident,” he said.

However, he added that it was premature to comment on any casualties or property damage.

Rescue 1122 Operations Director Riaz Raisani also confirmed that rescue teams were dispatched immediately after receiving information about the incident.

“Due to the area’s distance from Quetta city and its difficult terrain, the teams have not yet reached the site,” Raisani said.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), rescue teams were dispatched to the site after receiving information from the police.

“Four ambulances are also part of the teams dispatched on the instructions of PDMA Director General Jehanzeb Khan,” the PDMA official said.

In June, at least three people were injured after explosive material used in mining accidentally detonated in the Khanuzai area.

In April, at least five coal miners were killed in two separate mine accidents that took place in the Bolan and Duki coalfield areas of Balochistan.

This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters. ...