QUETTA: A powerful explosion claimed four lives inside a mine in the Chamalang coal field in Duki district on Wednesday.

The blast, official sources said, took place after Methane gas collected inside the Ghulam Nasir mine and went off.

Ghulam Ahmed, a police officer, said workers rushed to the site and started rescue operation. However, a fire that broke out after the blast created hurdles in the rescue operation.

The deceased belonged to the same family and hailed from Afghanistan. Bodies were despatched to their homeland.

One worker was rescued with burn injuries.

Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani, taking notice of the incident, directed the authorities to ensure safety of labourers working in coal fields.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2019