The bodies of 12 miners trapped in a coal mine in Sanjdi, near Quetta, have been recovered and deceased workers’ remains have been sent to their hometown, Shangla.
Among the victims were two brothers from Shangla, one of whom was under 18 years of age.
The two brothers had left home in hopes of overcoming poverty and supporting their family. A relative stated, “The family had high hopes for them, but their untimely death has plunged the entire household into mourning.”
Illegal Mines: A Major Cause of Tragedies
Ali Butt, a leader of the Central Mines Liberation, expressed sorrow over the incident and highlighted that illegal mines are the primary cause of such accidents. He further said that all illegal mines operate under political influence and there are no model mines in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that ensure safety and proper working conditions.
“We demand a judicial inquiry into these incidents to hold those responsible accountable.”
Shangla’s Youth at Risk
An alarming 75% of Shangla’s youth work in coal mines, facing daily risks due to the negligence of mine operators.
This tragedy raises serious concerns about the lack of safety measures in coal mines, calling for immediate attention and reform to prevent further loss of lives.
