An official of the political administration confirmed the tragedy occurred at Al Hussaini Coal mine in Dolai, Lower Orakzai Agency. Blasts in coalmines are common, caused when trapped gas is exposed to any spark during drilling. Trapped gas is meant to be diluted with sufficient amounts of air to reduce the risk of explosions.
The political administration official said the three workers who were inside the mine died instantly. They belonged to Shangla, he added. The two injured were shifted to a hospital in Kohat.
Locals said a funeral was held in the area after which the bodies were sent to the families.
No rescue facilities exist in the agency and at least 100 labourers have lost their lives in mining accidents.
Bombs defused
A high-intensity bomb was defused outside the house of a political leader in Lower Orakzai on Tuesday.
The political administration confirmed a 10kg bomb had been defused outside the residence of prominent social activist and former MNA Haji Khadim Hussain. Residents had spotted the device which was then neutralised. According to an official, the bomb had been planted by unidentified militants.
A bomb exploded outside the hujra of ANP district president and former MNA Pir Haider Ali Shah in Doaba, Hangu on Tuesday.
A Doaba police official said the bomb caused partial damage to the guesthouse in Darsamandar area of the district.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2014.
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