Mine collapse claims three lives

ABBOTTABAD:

A phosphate mine collapsed in Rewaiya, within the limits of Malakan, in Havelian, Abbottabad, killing three workers and injuring another three.

According to police reports, the workers were engaged in routine mining operations inside the mine operated by contractor Nawab Ali when the structure suddenly caved in and trapped six workers under the debris. Three of them died under the rubble. Rescue teams swiftly launched an operation, recovering the bodies of three deceased workers. The victims have been identified as Muzammil, Miftah and Shoaib, all residents of Gilgit.

Three other workers were rescued with serious injuries and were promptly shifted to a local hospital in Havelian for medical treatment. The injured include Naveed, son of Khawaja and resident of Malakan, Anjum, son of Javed, also from Malakan and Zia.

Local police and rescue authorities remain at the site, continuing the search and safety operations to assess further risks and ensure no additional individuals are trapped. Authorities have yet to comment on the cause of the collapse, and an investigation is expected to follow to determine the circumstances leading to the fatal accident. Initial reports suggest that safety measures were not followed in the mining operations.