QUETTA: At least eight miners were killed in an explosion in a private company’s coalmine in Duki area of Loralai district, officials said on Friday.

The blast took place on Thursday evening when the miners were working at a depth of about 2,300 feet. The mine is located about 225km northwest of Quetta. The miners were trapped when a portion of the mine caved in and blocked the exit.

According to sources, a fire broke out after the powerful explosion caused by methane gas.

Some miners who tried to rescue their colleagues fell unconscious after inhaling methane gas. One of them died, but the others were rescued and taken to hospital.

Later official rescue teams reached the place, along with a mines inspector. They faced difficulties because of the fire and methane gas. After hectic efforts, they reached the trapped miners but found them dead.

“The bodies were retrieved after hours of hard work,” a rescue official said.

All the victims were from Swat and their bodies were sent there after legal formalities.

The mine has been closed and the chief inspector of mines has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Published in Dawn February 21th , 2015

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