2 labourers killed in Lower Orakzai coal mine explosion

Published December 31, 2022
Police officers reached the site of the explosion in Lower Orakzai on Saturday. — Photo by author
Police officers reached the site of the explosion in Lower Orakzai on Saturday. — Photo by author

Two labourers were killed while one another was injured in an explosion at a coal mine in Lower Orakzai tribal region’s Khuno Sam area on Saturday, an official said.

District Police Officer Nazir Khan told Dawn.com that three labourers were trapped in the mine earlier today after what is believed to be a gas explosion.

He said rescue officials, local volunteers and the police rushed to the scene and managed to recover two bodies. The remaining labourer was pulled out of the rubble in an injured condition and was shifted to Kohat Hospital.

Last month, nine labourers were killed in a similar incident in Orakzai’s Doli area. Subsequently, a government team from the mineral development department had inspected the site of the incident and said that the explosion took place “due to gas sparks inside the mine”.

Coal deposits are found in the northwestern Orakzai district that sits on the Afghan border and mine accidents are common, mainly due to gas build-ups.

Opinion

The price of chocolate

The price of chocolate

Little attention is paid to any long-term strategy which might prevent vulnerable children from working in homes where they are in danger.

Editorial

Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...
Climate funding gap
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

Climate funding gap

Pakistan must boost its institutional capacity to develop bankable climate projects.
UN monitoring report
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

UN monitoring report

Pakistan must press Kabul diplomatically over its tolerance of TTP terrorism.
Tax policy reform
17 Feb, 2025

Tax policy reform

THE cabinet’s decision to create a Tax Policy Office at the finance ministry has raised hopes that tax policy is...