Three killed as toxic gas builds up inside coal mine in Balochistan's Duki

Workers' federation decries 'inadequate safety measures in the mining sector'

At least three miners died after toxic gas accumulated inside a local coal mine in Balochistan’s Duki district, raising fresh concerns over the safety conditions faced by mining workers in the province.

The victims were identified as Khan, son of Pai Muhammad, a member of the Barakzai tribe; Sirajuddin, son of Fateh Muhammad, from the Achakzai tribe; and Abdullah, an Alizai from Afghanistan.

The incident drew a strong reaction from Pakistan United Workers Federation (Balochistan) Duki President Sher Muhammad Kakar, who criticised the government and the Mines and Minerals Department over what he described as inadequate safety measures in the mining sector.

Read: Born to mine, doomed to die

Kakar said miners continued to face life-threatening conditions because sufficient precautions had not been taken to prevent accidents. He also pointed to the poor condition of coal mines in Balochistan and the lack of essential safety facilities for workers underground.

He alleged that inadequate supervision and negligence by the relevant authorities were contributing to repeated mining tragedies.

Kakar called for immediate improvements in coal mine safety in Duki, better protective facilities for workers and a thorough investigation into the incident. He also demanded action against those found responsible for safety failures.

The latest Duki coal mine accident has once again highlighted the risks faced by coal miners in Balochistan and the need for stronger enforcement of workplace safety standards.