QUETTA: The Balochistan government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the deadly coal mine disaster in Sorange that claimed the lives of 34 miners, assigning the investigation to the Chief Minister Inspection Team (CMIT) to determine the causes of the tragedy and identify those responsible.
Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the CMIT, headed by Chairman Bashir Ahmed Bangulzai, will conduct an on-site investigation into the July 30 accident.
According to officials, the inquiry has been tasked with determining the actual causes of the disaster, reviewing the performance of the relevant authorities, fixing responsibility for any negligence and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The CMIT has been directed to submit its findings and recommendations to the chief minister within two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Mines and Minerals Department has also launched a separate departmental inquiry into the incident. As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have sealed four coal mines, including the two mines directly affected by the accident.
The Sorange tragedy, one of the deadliest mining disasters in Balochistan in recent years, claimed the lives of 34 miners after they became trapped inside the coal mine following an explosion and collapse.
The incident has renewed concerns over mine safety standards, regulatory oversight and the enforcement of safety protocols across the province’s coal mining sector.
Officials said the findings of both investigations would help determine accountability and guide future reforms aimed at improving worker safety and preventing similar tragedies in the future
