What Happened in Nangarhar? One Fatality and Injury from Mine Collapse
Synopsis
In a tragic mining incident in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, a mine collapse led to a fatality and an injury. This highlights the ongoing safety issues in the mining sector, where informal operations often lack proper oversight. The report sheds light on the urgent need for improved safety measures in Afghan mining operations.
Key Takeaways
One person died and another was injured in a mine collapse.
The incident occurred at a sapphire mine in Nangarhar.
Mining accidents are common due to lack of safety measures .
Recent incidents reveal the need for better regulation in the mining sector.
Tragic events like these highlight the risks miners face daily.
Kabul, Feb 11 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, where one individual lost their life and another sustained injuries due to a mine collapse, as reported by local media citing police authorities.
The provincial police headquarters released a statement on Wednesday detailing that the incident transpired at a sapphire mine located in the Mamand Tor Nawo area of Spin Ghar district on Tuesday, according to Pajhwok Afghan News.
The report indicated that one person was fatally injured while another was trapped beneath debris and rocks. Security forces promptly transported the injured individual to a nearby healthcare facility for urgent medical care.
Earlier, on January 9, a similar tragedy struck when at least four miners succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning in a precious and semi-precious stones mine in Khash district of Badakhshan, as disclosed by provincial police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar to Xinhua News Agency.
Kamgar reported that toxic gas accumulation in the underground workings led to the suffocation of four workers. The authorities recovered the victims' bodies from the site and handed them over to their families.
In another incident on December 29, 2025, at least three miners were killed when a gold mine collapsed in Badakhshan province, as informed by local Taliban officials, according to media reports.
This incident occurred in Kisham district, where workers were engaged in gold extraction from a small mine. Afghan media outlet Amu Tv highlighted a statement from Taliban district governor Hayatullah Mohsin, who mentioned that the bodies of the deceased had been retrieved but did not provide additional details regarding the cause of the collapse, noting that an investigation is underway.
Mining accidents are a frequent occurrence in Afghanistan, where many sites operate informally with minimal oversight, according to Amu Tv. A lack of safety measures, unregulated excavation practices, and poor enforcement of mining standards are key factors contributing to these accidents, particularly in remote regions.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the persistent risks associated with mining in Afghanistan. The recent tragedy in Nangarhar serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety regulations and monitoring in the industry. It is imperative that we advocate for the well-being of miners and work towards implementing robust safety standards to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the mine collapse in Nangarhar?
The exact cause of the mine collapse is still under investigation, but it highlights ongoing safety issues in informal mining operations.
How many miners have died in similar incidents in Afghanistan recently?
In recent months, several miners have lost their lives in various incidents, including carbon monoxide poisoning and mine collapses.
What are the safety measures in place for miners in Afghanistan?
Unfortunately, many mining sites operate informally with little oversight, leading to significant safety risks for miners.
