Rescue efforts underway as 12 trapped inside coal mine near Quetta

QUETTA: Rescue efforts are underway to recover at least 12 miners who were trapped inside a coal mine that collapsed outside of Balochistan’s capital Quetta on Thursday evening.

A coal mine approximately 40 kilometers from Quetta in the Sanjidi area completely collapsed following an explosion caused by the accumulation of methane gas.

Deputy Director of Rescue Asghar Jamali said the miners are trapped under a depth of around 4,000 feet.

Balochistan Chief Inspector of Mines Abdul Ghani Baloch said three teams comprising mining engineers and other rescue staff are working to remove the debris to enter the mine.

Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) also joined the rescue efforts to ensure the safe exit of miners. The gas and debris in the mine are making the rescue efforts difficult, officials said.

As the toxic gas hampered rescue progress, two PDMA officials also fainted during the operation.

The chief inspector of mines told the media that we were trying to enter the mine through an alternate way and release the accumulated gas.

The provincial minister for Mineral Resources and Finance, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, took notice of the incident and instructed the chief inspector of mines to send additional rescue teams to the accident site.

He also ordered an investigation into the alleged violation of standard operating procedures by the mine owner.