Miner rescued alive after 17 days under debris in Mardan

Islamabad: A miner who had remained trapped beneath debris for 17 days after a landslide in Nangabad was recovered alive, bringing a prolonged rescue operation to a successful conclusion.

The incident took place on March 31 in the Palodheri Nangabad Darang area, where a mining landslide buried a worker under rubble. Rescue 1122, the local administration and residents continued the search operation around the clock after the collapse, despite mounting challenges.

After 17 days of excavation and coordinated rescue efforts, the labourer was pulled out alive and shifted to hospital for treatment. Hospital authorities said the survivor was identified by his family as Abdul Wahab, who had been missing since the day of the landslide.

His recovery prompted scenes of relief among relatives and local residents. Many people described the rescue as a divine miracle and offered prayers of gratitude after he was found alive.

Hospital visit and official response

MPA Tufail Anjum visited the hospital on the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to inquire about Abdul Wahab's condition. During the visit, he directed hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the rescued worker and also met Abdul Wahab, praying for his early recovery.

The rescue operation drew praise from local political and social circles in Tehsil Rustam, who commended the efforts of Rescue 1122, the Darang administration, government departments and volunteer organisations that took part in the operation.

They paid tribute to the teams for sustaining the rescue effort for 17 days and for successfully bringing the missing worker out alive.

The recovery marked a dramatic end to an operation that had continued day and night since the March 31 landslide. The worker's survival after more than two weeks under debris was received with relief by his family and the surrounding community.

Hospital authorities confirmed that Abdul Wahab was receiving medical care after being shifted from the rescue site. The identification was made by his family following his recovery from beneath the rubble.

The operation involved Rescue 1122 personnel working alongside the local administration and residents of the area. Volunteer organisations and government departments were also among those acknowledged for their role in the effort. The successful rescue ended days of uncertainty for the family of the missing miner and for residents of the area, where the landslide had triggered an intensive search effort since the end of March.