HARNAI: A powerful explosion killed nine miners and left several others injured in Balochistan’s Harnai district on Friday, police said.
The officials said that the blast occurred on the road in the Shahrag area targeting a pickup truck carrying coal miners, which resulted in casualties and severe injuries.
Deputy Commissioner Harnai Hazrat Wali Kakar said that the explosion occurred in Coal Mines Area PMDC 94 in the Shahrag. The mines department officials said that most of the victims belonged to Swat and Shangla.
The bodies of the deceased and the injured were being shifted to the Shahrag Basic Health Unit. Several injured workers are reported to be in critical condition and efforts are being made to shift them to Quetta.
Law enforcement personnel cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation to collect evidence.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the blast in Shahrag area of Harnai district, Balochistan, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives.
In separate statements, the president and the prime minister offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those died in the terrorist incident.
They also vowed to continue efforts till the elimination of terrorism from the country.
PM Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to provide the best medical support to the injured. He also prayed for their early recovery.
The prime minister said the individuals who harm the lives and property of innocent and defenseless citizens will have to pay a very heavy price.
