12 killed in Harnai mine collapse

QUETTA: As many as 12 miners have died and eight have been safely rescued after a coal mine collapsed in Balochistan’s Harnai District area, trapping 20 people inside.

The development comes after Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti had taken notice of the incident while directing the authorities to carry out rescue and relief operations after a mine, located in Harnai’s Zardalo area, had collapsed due to a gas explosion.

According to the chief mines expert, the ensuing rescue efforts resulted in eight miners being rescued along with the recovery of 12 bodies. The official further said that the mine had been “sealed” following the culmination of the rescue operation.

Earlier, reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had expressed grief over the loss of life in the mine collapse.

Directing the authorities to ensure expedited rescue efforts, the premier ordered the authorities to provide necessary treatment facilities to those injured in the incident.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, along with Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah, also conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family. “We are with the grieving families,” Sadiq was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the official X handle of the NA.