Three workers die after toxic gas fills coal mine in Degari

QUETTA: Three coal mine workers died after toxic gas built up inside a private coal lease in the Degari area, highlighting once again the dangerous conditions faced by workers in Balochistan’s mining sector, according to officials and local sources.

The incident took place in the Degari locality of Machh, where miners were carrying out underground work when methane and other toxic gases were suddenly released and quickly spread through the enclosed space, local accounts said.

The gas accumulation caused the workers to lose consciousness immediately and led to fatal suffocation, according to the same accounts.

The deceased workers were identified as Murad Bakhsh, Ali Hassan and Dilawar Khan.

Hazardous conditions in mining sector

The deaths have again drawn attention to safety risks in Balochistan’s coal mining industry, where workers often operate in hazardous underground conditions.

Officials and local sources said the latest incident occurred at a private coal lease in Degari. The workers were engaged in mining operations when the confined underground area was filled with toxic fumes.

According to local accounts, the gases involved included methane along with other toxic emissions. The sudden build-up inside the mine left the workers trapped in a suffocating environment.

The incident added to concerns surrounding mine safety in the province, where coal miners continue to face life-threatening conditions during underground operations.

No further details were provided in the report about rescue efforts or the circumstances following the recovery of the bodies.

The latest deaths in Degari underscore the recurring dangers associated with coal mining in Balochistan, particularly in privately operated leases where workers remain exposed to underground gas accumulation and suffocation risks.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, according to officials and local sources cited in the report.