Coal mine explosion: 12 workers killed in Harnai
Military operation in Mach, Bolan enters fourth day, disrupting local life
The Pakistani security forces have reportedly cordoned off multiple areas of Balochitan’s Mach, Bolan and their environs, as a large-scale military operation in the region enters its fourth day. The ground troops, assisted by gunship
Quetta: BLA claims responsibility for attack on police that killed 4, injured 18
In a deadly incident that occurred on Monday, at least four people, including two police officers, were killed and 18 others were left injured in an explosion in Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan. The
Rampant street crimes leave residents of Khuzdar in fear and helplessness
The city of Khuzdar has become a hub of criminal activities, with reports indicating that street criminals, snatchers, and thieves are rampant in the area. The situation has left the residents of Khuzdar living in
Balochistan: two men killed in firing incidents
At least two persons were reportedly killed in two separate firing incidents in Balochistan on Friday. According to reports, unidentified armed men entered a house in the Dera Murad Jamali area of Balochistan and shot
Resident of Kech district disappears in Karachi raid
A man from Kech district, Balochistan, has reportedly disappeared in Karachi after Pakistani forces allegedly detained him and his two sons during a raid on their house in Goth Mallir. According to sources, the man’s
Balochistan’s captivating images; A lifeline for ailing photographer
For 14 years, Kamanchar Baloch has dedicated himself to capturing the essence of Balochistan’s culture, stunning landscapes, and the plight of its impoverished residents. Born in Tehsil Mand, Balochistan, on November 25, 1998, Kamanchar has
BSO-Azad concludes 23rd Council Session; Drapshan Baloch elected chairman
The Baloch Students Organization Azad (BSO-Azad) released the highlights of the 23rd Central Council Session. BSO-Azad announced in the media that it wrapped up its 23rd Central Council session, a three-day event held in memory
Quetta: Security forces bring 3 dead bodies to a hospital
Pakistani forces reportedly shifted three dead bodies to a hospital in Balochistan’s capital Quetta on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani forces shifted the dead bodies of three men to the civil hospital Quetta — where
Enforced disappearances continue; Another goes ‘missing’ in Panjgur
Another Baloch man went missing from the Panjgur district of Balochistan on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani forces have allegedly disappeared a man after his arrest from the Parom area of the district. The detainee
Last night, tragedy struck the Zardalo coal mine in the Harnai district of Balochistan as 18 miners found themselves trapped following an explosion. Abdul Ghani, Chief Mines Inspector, reported that the explosion occurred due to gas accumulation within the coal mine operated by a local company in the Zardalo area. Initially, 10 miners were trapped inside as a result. In a valiant effort, 8 additional miners entered the mine to aid their colleagues, but unfortunately, they too became trapped due to the mine settling.
After 10 grueling hours, rescue efforts managed to retrieve the bodies of 12 miners, while miraculously, the other 8 were found alive. Authorities are yet to disclose the exact cause of the accident.
This incident adds to a grim tally of mining accidents in Balochistan. Last year alone, 69 miners lost their lives, with 29 sustaining injuries in 51 separate accidents across coal mines in areas such as Mach, Dukki, Shahragh, Chamalang, and Quetta. The year 2022 also witnessed a significant loss of life, with over 70 miners perishing in 55 accidents.
Balochistan’s coal mining operations primarily utilize the outdated triple-and-room method, known for its high risks and discontinued use elsewhere in the world. Calls from labor advocates and researchers persist for the adoption of modern mining techniques and the provision of essential personal protective equipment for miners, including breathing masks, goggles, oxygen cylinders, and gas measuring devices.
