QUETTA: The inquiry committee formed to probe the collapse of a coal mine, which killed 12 people last month, has held the mine owner, contractor, manager, and engineer responsible for the accident.

The committee, formed by the Mines and Mineral Department, has completed its investigation into the explosion in Sanjdi coal field of Quetta district.

The mine caved in due to the explosion caused by the accumulation of methane gas, trapping 12 miners at a depth of 4,000 metres.

The bodies of the miners were recovered in four days.

The Balochistan chief inspector of mines, Ghani Baloch, had sealed the mines and issued directives to launch a probe.

The inquiry committee, headed by former mines inspector Amjad Hussain Shah, has recommended action against the culprits.

The committee has submitted its report to the Mines and Mineral Department, which will be presented to the chief minister, according to officials. The provincial government will also submit the report in court for further action with the chief minister’s approval.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2025