Three coal miners, including two Afghan nationals, died after inhaling poisonous methane gas while working inside a coal mine in Duki district of Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The gas reportedly accumulated inside the mine, causing the workers to lose consciousness. Rescue teams from the Mines and Minerals Department reached the site but found the three miners dead.
The deceased were identified as two Afghan nationals and one Pakistani national. The incident comes weeks after a major methane gas explosion in the Sorange area of Balochistan killed 34 miners in July. Officials said 41 miners were inside the mine when the blast occurred, with a large section collapsing and trapping workers under the rubble.
Pakistan’s coal mines have witnessed several fatal accidents in recent months. In May, two miners were killed and another injured in separate incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Shangla district. Local residents and labour organisations have raised concerns over inadequate safety measures and urged authorities to strengthen safety standards in coal mines.
