Operation continues to rescue miners trapped in Sanjdi coal mine

A rescue operation led by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) is underway to save miners trapped in a collapsed coal mine in Sanjdi, near Quetta, as reported by national media.

So far, four bodies have been recovered out of the 12 trapped miners, while efforts to locate the remaining eight are ongoing, according to PDMA.

According to a report by ARY News on Saturday, rescue teams have cleared debris to a depth of 3,600 feet to reach the affected area. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday when an explosion caused the mine to collapse.

This is not the first such tragedy. In March 2024, a similar incident in Harnai, Balochistan, left 18 miners trapped in a coal mine, underscoring the recurring dangers faced by miners in the region.

Coal miners in Pakistan endure some of the harshest working conditions, with limited safety measures and poor enforcement of labor rights. Many mines, especially in Balochistan, operate with outdated equipment and minimal oversight, making them prone to accidents.

Inadequate ventilation, unstable mine structures, and the absence of proper protective gear often lead to explosions, collapses, and toxic gas leaks, putting miners’ lives at constant risk.