Five colliers killed in two incidents

In two separate mishaps inside mines, five laborers hailing from Shangla district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have lost their lives on Monday.

Four labourers working in a coal mine in Hangu district were killed last evening when an explosion occurred inside the mine. They died after being buried under the heavy rubble. Another miner working in an emerald mine in Swat also lost his life due to suffocation.

The bodies of all the five deceased laborers have reached their native towns in Shangla.

A survey conducted by an NGO in the area said more than 50 per cent of labourers of Shangla were associated with the mining industry, adding that so far over 1,000 labourers have sustained injuries with some critically injured and paralysed for life.

The locals have urged the government to devise a proper policy for the mine workers so that recurrence of fatal incidents could be averted and miners continue their work with some peace of mind.