Harnai coal mine blast kills four, leaves five workers injured
Four coal miners were killed and five others injured after a methane gas explosion caused a coal mine to collapse in Shahrag, Harnai district, officials said.
The incident took place at a coal mine operated by the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC).
Shahrag is a mountainous mining town in Balochistan’s Harnai district, where hundreds of coal mines are located. The area is around 168 kilometres from Quetta, the provincial capital.
Rescue operation continues for hours
Rescue teams launched an operation after the explosion to reach the workers trapped inside the mine.
The operation continued for several hours as rescuers worked through the collapsed section to recover the victims. Chief Mine Inspector Muhammad Atif said the bodies of the deceased workers and the injured miners were eventually brought out of the mine.
The incident highlighted the serious dangers faced by workers operating deep underground in coal mines. According to the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation, its Shahrigh coal mines are part of the Shahrigh-Khost-Harnai coal field, where coal is extracted through underground mining.
Two injured miners suffer severe burns
Two of the injured workers suffered serious burn injuries and were referred to Quetta for better medical treatment.
Dr Hadi Kakar, medical superintendent at Quetta’s Civil Hospital, said four patients from the Shahrag mine blast were brought to the hospital’s trauma centre.
Two patients were in critical condition after suffering severe burns. One patient had burns covering around 80% of the body, while another suffered burns over 90% of the body, according to the hospital official.
The two critically injured workers were kept under close medical supervision. The other two patients had minor injuries and were discharged after receiving initial treatment.
Victims belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Officials said the deceased miners were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Their bodies were later shifted to their native areas for burial.
The deaths have once again highlighted the risks faced by coal miners who work in difficult and hazardous conditions. Coal mine accidents in Balochistan have repeatedly raised concerns over worker safety, emergency preparedness and compliance with safety measures.
Inquiry ordered into mine collapse
The provincial mining department has demanded a formal inquiry into the incident.
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Chief Mine Inspector Muhammad Atif said the department had made the request in writing to determine what caused the mine collapse. The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the methane gas explosion and the mine's safety conditions.
Officials will also be able to determine whether the required safety measures were in place before the incident. The findings could help authorities identify weaknesses and take steps to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Harnai remains a major coal mining area
Harnai is one of Balochistan’s important coal-producing areas.
The Shahrigh-Khost-Harnai coal field is located northeast of Quetta and contains large coal reserves. PMDC lists Shahrigh among the coal mines it operates. Mining in the region provides employment to thousands of workers and supports the local economy.
However, working underground comes with serious risks, particularly when methane and other hazardous gases accumulate. A methane explosion can cause fires, severe burns, structural damage, and mine collapses, making rescue operations extremely difficult.
Safety concerns remain after latest tragedy
The latest incident has renewed concerns about safety standards in Balochistan’s coal mines. Mine workers often work hundreds of feet underground, where a small safety failure can have deadly consequences.
Earlier this month, a parliamentary committee also called for mines across the country to be reviewed and urged authorities to ensure worker registration and compliance with safety procedures.
Such measures are important because better monitoring, proper ventilation and effective emergency systems can reduce the risks faced by miners. The latest tragedy is likely to increase calls for stronger enforcement of safety rules in coal mines.
