What Happened to the Four Coal Miners in Balochistan?
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Synopsis
In a heartbreaking series of incidents in Balochistan, four coal miners lost their lives due to toxic methane gas exposure. These tragedies highlight the ongoing safety issues in the region's mining sector. The negligence of mine managers raises serious concerns about worker safety and regulatory enforcement in Pakistan's coal mining industry.
Key Takeaways
- Four miners died from methane gas exposure.
- Incidents occurred in Duki and Chamalang.
- The miners were Afghan nationals.
- Safety protocols were reportedly ignored.
- This is not the first accident; previous incidents have also resulted in fatalities.
Quetta, Oct 19 (NationPress) Four coal miners tragically lost their lives in two distinct incidents in the Duki and Chamalang regions of Balochistan, Pakistan, as reported by local media on Sunday.
According to the authorities, the deceased were identified as Afghan nationals employed in the coal mines of Duki and Chamalang at the time of the unfortunate events that occurred on Saturday, as highlighted by Pakistan's prominent daily, Dawn.
The Chief Inspector of Mines for Balochistan, Syed Rafiullah, noted that the manager of the Chamalang mine, where two miners perished, was already under legal scrutiny for failing to enforce adequate safety protocols.
Additionally, it was remarked that another mine in Duki had previously been closed by the Mines Inspectorate following an earlier incident that resulted in multiple fatalities due to similar carelessness.
Just last month, an Afghan miner lost his life after inhaling toxic gas while working in a private coal mine located in the Shahrag area of Harnai district, according to officials.
Officials stated that the toxic methane gas accumulated within the mine. Other miners managed to evacuate; however, one worker, identified as Abdullah, collapsed while working deep inside.
Despite efforts from fellow miners to rescue him, they were unable to reach him due to the high concentration of methane gas. His body was later transported to the Shahrag hospital, where legal formalities were fulfilled before it was handed over to his family.
In a previous incident in July, three coal miners were killed, while one was rescued after being trapped due to a mudslide in Duki district, as reported by officials from Dawn.
Chief Mines Inspector Abdul Ghani Baloch stated that four miners employed in a private mine were trapped following a mudslide. Rescue teams from the Mines Rescue Department responded promptly, managing to save one miner while the bodies of three others were recovered after a grueling 16-hour operation.
Point of View
It is imperative to underscore the persistent safety violations in Balochistan's mining sector. The loss of lives due to negligence not only affects the victims' families but raises questions about the accountability of mine operators. It is essential for the government to enforce stricter regulations to safeguard the lives of workers.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the deaths of the coal miners?
The deaths were caused by inhalation of poisonous methane gas in the coal mines.
Where did these incidents occur?
The incidents occurred in the Duki and Chamalang areas of Balochistan, Pakistan.
Who were the victims?
The victims were Afghan nationals working in the coal mines.
What safety measures were lacking?
The mine managers failed to implement adequate safety protocols to protect workers.
Have there been previous incidents?
Yes, similar incidents have occurred in the past due to negligence in safety measures.
