4 miners die in coal mine gas explosion in Balochistan's Harnai: state media

Four miners perished and five others were injured in a gas explosion at a coal mine in Balochistan’s Harnai district, according to state media. The Pakistan Army successfully conducted a rescue operation to save the trapped miners. Five miners were rescued alive through timely intervention by the army, while the deceased were not reported to have been located.

The injured miners were subsequently transferred to Quetta for further medical attention. Mine accidents are unfortunately frequent in Pakistan, primarily attributed to gas build-ups. Workers have expressed concerns over inadequate safety gear and poor working conditions as the main factors contributing to such incidents. Earlier this month, three miners lost their lives in a similar gas explosion at a coal mine in Balochistan’s Mastung district.

In July, at least 32 miners, predominantly from Shangla, were killed in a powerful methane gas explosion at a coal mine in Quetta. Their families refused to accept the compensation offered, amounting to Rs400,000. In response to the tragedy, the National Labour Federation (NLF) Balochistan called for reforms in mine safety standards.

General Secretary Umar Hayat of the NLF Balochistan highlighted that the province has 196 mining companies operating nearly 3,000 coal mines, but only 17 mine inspectors to monitor safety regulations, which he deemed as "grossly inadequate".