At least 11 coal miners died in a gas explosion in Sanjadi, 40 kilometres from Quetta. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that the incident resulted from a gas buildup.
Rescue teams worked overnight, including the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the district administration, and the mines department. They found all 11 miners dead.
“This is a devastating loss,” Rind stated. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The entire community is mourning this tragic event.”
The explosion caused significant structural damage, collapsing several mine sections and trapping workers. Although rescue operations began immediately, the explosion’s severity and subsequent cave-ins hindered efforts to reach the miners in time.
The Balochistan government has announced an immediate investigation to determine the exact cause and to prevent future incidents. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our miners,” Rind said.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter safety protocols in the mining industry,” he added.