QUETTA: Four coal miners from Afghanistan have died in two separate accidents at mines in Balochistan on Saturday. The fatalities were caused by a build-up of methane gas.
According to police, the men were working in the Duki and Chamalang coalfield areas when the incidents occurred.
Syed Rafiullah, the Chief Inspector of Mines for Balochistan, provided further details. He stated that the manager of the Chamalang mine, where two of the miners died, is already involved in a court case for failing to provide adequate safety measures.
The other mine, located in Duki, had previously been officially closed by the Mines Inspectorate following a fatal accident. This closure was due to a lack of proper safety procedures.
Mr Rafiullah confirmed that the owners of both mines had restarted work without receiving permission from the inspectorate. A case is now being registered against them for operating illegally.
The mines have since been sealed, and an official investigation has been ordered.
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At least 51 coal miners have died and more than 30 others have suffered injuries in accidents across Balochistan’s coal mines this year, according to official data.
Figures released by the provincial Mines and Minerals Department show that between January and August, incidents of toxic gas accumulation, gas explosions, mine collapses, and trolley accidents killed 51 miners and injured over 30 others. Most of the fatal incidents occurred in the coalfields of Quetta, Duki, and Harnai districts.
One of the deadliest accidents took place on January 9 in Sanjidi, near Quetta, when a gas explosion killed 12 miners. An inquiry committee later held the mine owner and contractor responsible for the tragedy.
The Pakistan Coal Mines Labour Federation leaders have urged authorities to enforce strict safety standards and ensure daily inspections of coal mines to prevent further loss of life.
According to the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation, casualties from accidents among labourers working in coal mines range from 100 to 200 every year.
In 2022, approximately 288 mlabourers working in coal mines have been killed in the course of their employment nationwide, with 166 of those fatalities occurring in Balochistan alone.
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According to government sources, there are at least 20,000 labourers employed across Balochistan in 2,500 mines.
