The death toll from the Balochistan coal mine collapse has risen to 34. Rescue teams recovered six more bodies from the mine in Sorange on Friday. Search operations continue for miners still trapped underground.
Rescue Operation Continues In Sorange
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority said rescue teams remain at the site. Officials continue efforts to reach the remaining trapped miners. The operation has entered a critical phase as teams search through the collapsed mine.
Mine owner Qurban Jogezai said a methane gas explosion triggered the collapse. He confirmed that 42 labourers were working inside the mine. All trapped workers belong to Shangla district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti sought a detailed report on the incident. He also warned of strict action if investigators find negligence. Furthermore, he directed authorities to enforce safety regulations at coal mines across the province.
Safety Concerns Grow After Tragedy
JUI-N spokesperson Abdul Sattar Chishti expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. He said thousands of miners have died in similar accidents over the years. Moreover, he urged the government to strengthen mine safety measures immediately.
In a separate incident, another labourer died in a coal mine accident in Harnai district. Police said a large boulder struck the worker during his shift. Rescue teams later recovered the body and transferred it to a nearby hospital.
Coal mine accidents remain common in Balochistan and Sindh because of poor safety standards. Earlier this month, four labourers died after a wall collapsed inside a coal mine in Thatta district.
