The bodies of all 12 miners trapped in the Sanjidi coal mine near Quetta have been recovered, bringing a tragic end to a grueling three-day rescue operation. The incident occurred after a deadly gas explosion caused by the accumulation of toxic gases, highlighting the recurring dangers faced by coal miners in Balochistan.
The Sanjidi Mine Tragedy
Rescue teams, mostly assisted by local residents, worked for 72 hours to recover the miners’ bodies. The last two corpses were retrieved earlier today, leaving families devastated. The victims, most of whom hailed from Shangla, were trapped following the explosion caused by a buildup of methane gas. After necessary procedures, the bodies will be sent to their native village for burial.
The Chief Mines Inspector has officially requested the district administration to file a case against the mine owner, citing gross negligence and failure to implement essential safety measures. According to an official letter, the Coal Mines Committee had previously flagged a lack of compliance with safety regulations at the Sanjidi site, yet no meaningful actions were taken to enforce improvements.
Khost Harnai Collapse – Another Crisis
Even as the Sanjidi operation concluded, tragedy struck again in the Harnai district, where another coal mine collapsed on Sunday morning. Four miners were rescued by local residents, but two remain trapped as rescue operations continue. The incident underscores the persistent vulnerabilities of coal miners in the region, where hazardous conditions and inadequate oversight remain the norm.
A History of Negligence and Danger
The mining sector in Balochistan has long been plagued by perilous working conditions, poor regulatory oversight, and frequent fatal incidents. In 2023 alone, over 100 miners lost their lives in various accidents across the province. Most incidents involve collapses, explosions, or exposure to toxic gases. Balochistan’s coal mines, which contribute significantly to Pakistan’s energy needs, are often operated with minimal regard for worker safety, with mine owners and contractors frequently flouting safety protocols.
Critics argue that government negligence has exacerbated the crisis. Despite the recurring disasters, there has been no visible effort to implement stricter safety regulations or ensure compliance. Shockingly, no government officials visited the Sanjidi or Harnai disaster sites, drawing sharp criticism from labour rights groups and families of the victims.
Labour unions and civil society activists are calling for immediate reforms to protect coal miners, including mandatory safety audits, training programs, and emergency preparedness. They have also demanded accountability from the government and stricter penalties for mine owners who fail to ensure safe working conditions.